Position SummaryThe Production Manager / Value Stream Manager owns safety, quality, delivery, cost and people results for one value stream at Hydraulics International, Inc. (HII), from released work order to shipment.
TitleAssembly Manager
CompanyHydraulics International, Inc. (HII)
DepartmentOperations
Reports toDirector of Operations
Direct reportsProduction supervisors, leads and team support staff (team size set per value stream)
LocationOn site, HII facilities
ClassificationFull-time, exempt
Purpose of the RoleThis role makes one value stream predictable: safe people, parts that pass inspection, jobs that ship on the committed date, and a floor that runs to a visible plan.
The manager is the single point of accountability for the stream, across fabrication, machining, assembly and test as applicable. They run the daily management system (SQDIP boards, tiered meetings, 6S and gemba walks) and build the operating discipline that lets HII work down its past-due backlog and plan 30, 60 and 90 days ahead. They work closely with Planning, Material Control, Quality, EHS, Maintenance and Continuous Improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesSafety and compliance- Lead a safety-first culture: PPE enforcement, hazard reporting, incident investigation and escalation within 24 hours
- Run biweekly safety walks with EHS and close corrective actions on time
- Keep the value stream audit-ready for AS9100 and customer requirements, and own responses to findings in the area
Production performance and delivery- Own the production schedule for the value stream and hold it to the committed ship dates
- Manage work in process, line of balance and bottlenecks; escalate material, tooling, machine and quality constraints the same day
- Reduce the past-due backlog with clear recovery plans, and recommend overtime, added capacity or outsourcing when the data supports it
- Keep job status in M2M accurate and close stale open jobs so Planning can build a reliable schedule
- Contribute to the monthly achievement plan and SIOP inputs
Quality and first-pass yield- Build quality into the process with standard work, in-process checks and mistake-proofing
- Lead root cause analysis (A3, 5 Why, Six Sigma tools) on scrap, rework and escapes, and verify that fixes hold
- Partner with Quality on nonconformances, corrective actions and customer complaints
Lean and daily management- Run SQDIP boards and tiered daily meetings; make problems visible and assign owners
- Drive 6S and visual management, and lead regular gemba walks
- Map the value stream, define current and future state, and deliver the kaizen events that close the gap
- Standardize work instructions, changeovers and handoffs between departments
Cost and capacity- Manage the value stream's labor, overtime, supplies and scrap against budget; support headcount and payroll budget reviews
- Use capacity models (such as machine-based planning) to match load to available hours
- Track daily headcount and attendance, and work with HR and temp agencies on staffing gaps
People and leadership- Hire, coach, develop and hold accountable supervisors and leads; set clear goals and give regular feedback
- Build cross-training and succession for critical skills, including machinists and welders
- Handle attendance, discipline and performance issues fairly and consistently, with HR
- Communicate openly with the floor, in English and Spanish where needed
Performance Metrics (SQDIP)The manager is measured on these value stream results. Targets are set with the Director of Operations at the start of each year.
CategoryMeasuresSafetyRecordable incidents, near-miss reports closed, safety walk completion, PPE compliance
QualityFirst-pass yield, scrap and rework rate, customer returns and escapes, corrective action closure time
DeliveryOn-time delivery to commit date, past-due backlog, schedule adherence, work in process age
Inventory / CostLabor and overtime vs. budget, scrap cost, inventory and WIP levels, open job accuracy in M2M
People / ProductivityAttendance, turnover, training and cross-training completion, output per labor hour
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, manufacturing or a related field, or equivalent experience
- 8+ years in discrete manufacturing, including 4+ years leading supervisors or managers
- Experience in aerospace, defense or other regulated, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing
- Working knowledge of machining, fabrication, welding or assembly processes
- Hands-on Lean experience: value stream mapping, 6S, standard work, visual management, A3 problem solving
- Proficiency with an ERP/MRP system (M2M or similar), production scheduling and Excel
- Track record of improving on-time delivery and quality in a production environment
Preferred- MBA or master's degree
- Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
- Knowledge of AS9100 and nonconformance and corrective action processes
- Experience managing a large, multi-building operation and a backlog recovery
- Experience with capacity planning and SIOP or S&OP processes
- Bilingual English/Spanish
Core Competencies and Working ConditionsCompetencies- Accountability: owns results and follows through on commitments
- Floor presence: on the floor daily, spots problems early and solves them at the source
- Data-driven decisions: uses metrics, capacity data and root cause analysis rather than opinion
- Leadership: sets a clear standard, coaches people, and holds them to it with respect
- Cross-functional influence: works across Planning, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS and Maintenance without waiting for escalation
- Communication: clear and direct with the shop floor, peers and executives
Working conditions- Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, machinery, metal and coolants; safety shoes and eye protection with side shields are mandatory
- Regular walking and standing across several buildings; ability to lift up to 25 lbs
- Primarily first shift, with flexibility for second shift, weekend coverage and urgent production needs
Schedule: M-F 7am-3:30pm
We offer competitive compensation & benefits package:
- Health insurance (Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance)
- 401(k)
- PTO
Salary $150K annually
