Job Description:JOB SUMMARY:The Area Manager - Production is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations across the facility, including Casting and Fabrication. This role provides both strategic and day-to-day leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of production reliability.
As a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, this position drives performance in safety, quality, delivery and cost. The Area Manager leads supervisors and frontline teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Operational Leadership- Lead all production departments to achieve plant and business unit goals
- Establish and drive performance metrics across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and equipment reliability
- Oversee daily operations using data, KPIs, and visual management systems
- Coordinate priorities and resources across departments to optimize plant-wide performance
- Serve as the primary point of contact for production operations
Reliability- Drive equipment uptime, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Partner with EHS to ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and safety regulations
- Evaluate equipment performance and support capital improvement and replacement initiatives
- Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit analyses for new equipment, upgrades, and modifications
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditures
Continuous Improvement & Strategy- Lead continuous improvement by implementing Wilsonart Operating System, utilizing 5S, Lean, Six Sigma, and 80/20 principles
- Drive process improvements across production functions
- Partner with technical teams to develop and improve SOPs and operational standards
- Support automation and modernization initiatives
Safety, Quality & Compliance- Champion a strong safety culture across production teams
- Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, ISO requirements, and internal policies
- Lead safety training, audits, and monthly safety meetings
- Ensure adherence to quality systems and continuous improvement of product consistency
Financial & Business Performance- Own and manage operational cost drivers
- Develop and execute cost reduction initiatives across labor, materials, and spend
- Align operational decisions with business strategy and financial objectives
- Monitor departmental budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization
People Leadership & Development- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, leads and frontline teams
- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
- Develop team capabilities through training, mentorship, and succession planning
- Review and approve performance evaluations and support goal-setting
- Foster strong communication, trust, respect and collaboration across teams
Communication & Collaboration- Communicate priorities, performance, and expectations clearly across all levels
- Partner cross-functionally to resolve operational challenges
Support employee engagement and positive employee relations across departments
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: - Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive results through both production teams
- Deep understanding of manufacturing operations
- Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, PLC, and CNC systems
- Knowledge of OSHA, ISO, and environmental compliance standards
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels
- Proven ability to lead change and drive operational transformation
- Strong business acumen with focus on cost, efficiency, and performance
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:EDUCATION:Bachelor Degree Required
Concentration in Engineering, Business or related field
EXPERIENCE:10+ years Manufacturing Environment
WORKING CONDITIONS:Sitting in the same location of standing/walking; required to stoop, climb or lift light material (10-20lbs) or equipment.
ENVIRONMENT:Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, temperature variations, fumes, and industrial equipment
We're looking for people who are ready to learn, ready to lead and ready to make a difference. If that sounds like you, you can win at Wilsonart.
