Production Manager

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Operations Director, directs the development and implementation of activities in production area(s) to ensure safety and meet all production, quality and cost objectives.

• Lead production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Develop production plans and staffing requirements based on customer demand and forecasted business requirements.
• Establish production priorities to ensure customer commitments are achieved.
• Ensure successful execution of new product introductions, product transfers, engineering changes, and production ramps.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Test Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, and Planning functions to resolve operational issues and improve performance.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly reviews focused on operational performance and customer commitments.
• Drive production readiness through effective workforce planning, training, and resource utilization.

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors and production teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Establish clear performance expectations and measurable objectives aligned with business goals.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Identify staffing and development needs and work with Human Resources to address them.
• Maintain effective communication across production teams, support functions, and leadership.
• Lead through example and promote a customer-focused culture throughout the operation.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing operational metrics, trend analysis, Lean principles, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure procedures and work instructions are effective, standardized, and continuously improved.
• Champion best-practice sharing and implementation across the site.
• Lead corrective and preventive action activities related to operational performance.

• Manage and control direct labor, overtime, productivity, and production spending within established targets.
• Support the development of business forecasts and operational plans
• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives through continuous improvement, waste elimination, and process optimization.
• Monitor production performance metrics and cost trends, taking corrective action as necessary.
• Drive labor efficiency, utilization, and productivity improvements to support business unit profitability.

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and the principles of Operational Excellence.
• Strong background in Lean Six Sigma and Project Management methodologies.
• Strong financial and analytical ability. Proficiency in managing business analytics.
• Proven track record of successful change management accomplishments, implementing and managing continuous productivity and cost reduction programs.
• Strong and convincing communication skills.

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Requires extensive knowledge of production process activities.
• Plus 5 or more years of progressive supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Or a combination of education, experience and/or training.