Rubbercraft is seeking a hands-on
Production Manager (Extrusion) to lead daily manufacturing operations across assigned value streams within our production facility. This role is responsible for driving operational performance, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring alignment across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Planning teams.
The ideal candidate is a strong manufacturing leader with experience in fast-paced production environments who can drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, on-time delivery, cost reduction, and overall operational performance.
This position plays a key role in supporting business growth through operational excellence, team leadership, and customer-focused execution.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Lead daily production operations across assigned manufacturing departments/value streams
- Drive a culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Planning, and Operations leadership to support production goals and customer requirements
- Support and execute production schedules to meet customer delivery commitments and operational capacity requirements
- Monitor and improve key operational metrics including:
- Safety
- Quality
- Productivity
- On-Time Delivery (OTD)
- Cost Reduction
- EBITDA performance
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce waste
- Lead, coach, develop, and manage production personnel and supervisors
- Ensure production routers, manufacturing instructions, and process flows are being followed appropriately
- Support staffing, labor planning, and capacity analysis activities
- Support capital equipment and operational improvement projects
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements including OSHA and environmental standards
- Ensure equipment is maintained and operating safely and efficiently
- Partner with Planning and Sales teams to support customer requests and production priorities
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe manufacturing environment through 6S and risk reduction initiatives
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned
QualificationsEducation- High School Diploma or GED required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business Administration, or related field required
Experience- Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience required
- Experience in low-volume/high-mix manufacturing environments preferred
- Experience within rubber, polymer, elastomer, aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing environments strongly preferred
Skills & Competencies- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Experience leading teams in fast-paced manufacturing environments
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Understanding of manufacturing technologies, production processes, and operational metrics
- Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems
- Knowledge of safety, environmental, and EHS procedures
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive accountability across teams
- Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred
Work Environment & Physical Requirements- Manufacturing/production environment
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to work in a fast-paced operational setting
Benefits:At Rubbercraft, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.
