Production Manager

Overview

A growing commercial linear lighting company is opening its first company-owned production facility and needs someone to lead it from the ground up. There is no existing production team or established playbook to inherit. You will shape how the plant runs from the start, from equipment and layout decisions through to building the team that will operate it.

This is a builder's role more than a manager's role. Early on, you will be doing as much as directing, including fabrication, equipment troubleshooting, and whatever else it takes to keep things moving. You will report to the President while the facility gets off the ground, with the line shifting to a newly hired VP of Manufacturing once that seat is filled, and your role expanding in scope as the plant and team grow around you.

This suits someone who has taken a facility from early stage to running production before, is just as comfortable with a wrench in hand as with a project plan, and wants to be the one who builds the plant rather than the one who takes over an existing one.

Facility Setup and Equipment

• Lead the planning, layout, and buildout of a new manufacturing facility from the ground up
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of production equipment
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards from day one

Operations and Engineering

• Translate business strategy into practical, day-to-day operational plans
• Drive continuous improvement across production, quality, and efficiency
• Support process optimization and manufacturability initiatives, including transfer-of-work projects
• Implement a Lean manufacturing strategy across the plant
• Lead the transition of production workload from the current contract manufacturing partner

Team Building

• Recruit, hire, and train a high-performing production and support team from zero
• Manage and organize staffing levels to meet current and growing order demand
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous learning
• Coach and mentor team members as the facility scales

Hands‑On Execution

• Perform hands‑on tasks personally when needed, including light fabrication, equipment troubleshooting, product electrical work, local deliveries, and administrative duties
• Act as a flexible, get‑it‑done resource until the team is fully built out

Communication

• Serve as the main link between plant operations and executive leadership
• Provide regular updates on progress, risks, and opportunities
• Maintain clear documentation and KPI reporting

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent hands‑on experience
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, plant setup, or engineering leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading a facility launch or transition, including building a manufacturing operation from the ground up to full-rate production
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality management systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and genuine willingness to perform hands‑on technical work personally
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex, moving‑target projects
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to self‑start and drive tasks to completion with minimal oversight
• Must be able to pass pre‑employment screening, including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks
• Willing and able to travel approximately 25% of the time

• 10+ years of relevant experience
• Experience in electronics, LED, or light‑assembly manufacturing

Base Salary: $95,000 to $110,000 per year, based on experience

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Haldren or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment…