Production Manager - Manufacturing Operations

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

What We're Looking For:

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations within the Phoenix manufacturing facility to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing execution. This role drives operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development while supporting the successful ramp-up and ongoing growth of a fast-paced greenfield manufacturing operation.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong experience in production management, Lean manufacturing, workforce development, and operational continuous improvement. The Production Manager will partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to establish scalable manufacturing processes and build a high-performance production culture aligned with Smardt's operational objectives.

What You'll Do:

Oversee and guide all operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness:

• Design and implement the manufacturing strategy alongside the annual budget process.
• Develop and manage the master production schedule and operational budgets, ensuring products are delivered on schedule, within budget, and at the desired quality.
• Foster a continuous improvement mindset by focusing on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and talent development.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to direct reports and team members, building a high-performing workforce that drives ongoing improvement and value creation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate closely with product line management, engineering, service, and other departments to integrate best practices into the manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate and participate in preventative and corrective maintenance activities for production support equipment, compressed air systems, HVAC, cranes/hoists, and facility utilities
• Collaborate closely with EHS Manager to ensure facility compliance with OSHA requirements, building codes, and fire safety regulations
• Participate in the EHS committee to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness, health, safety, and responsible behaviors
• Support facility safety inspections and maintain required certifications
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams on factory startup and ongoing operational requirements
• Support production needs for facility modifications, layout changes, and infrastructure improvements

Continuous Improvement:

Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including:

• 5S
• Kaizen events
• Standard work
• Visual management
• Root cause analysis
• Waste elimination

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.
• Support implementation of scalable manufacturing systems and best practices during facility growth.

Leadership and Workforce Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly production employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training initiatives to build a skilled manufacturing workforce.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and operational ownership.
• Drive employee engagement and retention through effective communication and leadership presence on the production floor.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and succession planning activities.

What You'll Bring:

Experience:

• 7-10 years of manufacturing operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 3-5 years leading production teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations strongly preferred.
• Experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, fabricated products, or engineered manufacturing environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Education/

Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Technical

Skills:

• ERP/MRP systems experience
• KPI dashboard development and operational reporting
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and industrial safety systems
• Root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone, A3)
• Production planning and scheduling systems

Core Competencies:

• Safety & Quality Obsessed
• Proactive and Results Driven
• Agile in a Startup Environment
• Continuous…