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.

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.

• 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 the 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.

• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen events, Standard work, Visual management, Root cause analysis, and 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.

• 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.

• 7–10 years of manufacturing operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 3–5 years leading production teams in an industrial…