Position SummaryThe Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement objectives. This role provides strategic and day-to-day leadership to production teams, ensuring efficient manufacturing processes, continuous improvement, and a culture of accountability and operational excellence. The Production Manager partners closely with Quality, Maintenance, Safety, Human Resources, and Supply Chain teams to drive business results while developing a highly engaged workforce.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduction Leadership- Direct and oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules, customer requirements, and productivity targets are consistently achieved.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, efficiency, scrap, downtime, and labor utilization.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Lead capacity planning and resource allocation to support current and future business demands.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Quality Management- Champion a culture of quality throughout the operation, ensuring adherence to customer specifications and internal quality standards.
- Partner with Quality teams to investigate defects, customer complaints, and non-conformances while developing sustainable corrective actions.
- Utilize data and root cause analysis tools to drive continuous reduction in scrap, rework, and defects.
- Support audits, quality certifications, and compliance initiatives.
- Promote proactive quality ownership across all production employees.
Employee Engagement & Leadership- Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance work environment built on trust, accountability, and teamwork.
- Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and hourly team members to maximize performance and career growth.
- Conduct regular employee communication meetings, shift huddles, and feedback sessions.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives focused on retention, recognition, safety, and development.
- Drive performance management processes, including goal setting, coaching, and corrective action when necessary.
Continuous Improvement- Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
- Utilize problem-solving methodologies such as Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why, and Kaizen events.
- Establish action plans to achieve operational and financial performance goals.
- Support implementation of new processes, equipment, and technology improvements.
Safety & Compliance- Ensure all production activities are conducted in accordance with safety regulations and company policies.
- Promote a safety-first culture through visible leadership, accountability, and employee involvement.
- Investigate incidents and near misses, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and environmental requirements.
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent manufacturing leadership experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
Experience- 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within extrusion, plastics, metals, or related manufacturing environments.
- 3+ years managing supervisors and production teams in a high-volume manufacturing setting.
- Demonstrated success improving quality performance, productivity, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong leadership and employee development skills.
- Proven ability to build high-performing and engaged teams.
- Comprehensive understanding of quality systems, process improvement, and manufacturing operations.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and manufacturing reporting tools.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)- Safety performance (TRIR, near-miss reporting, incident reduction)
- On-time delivery performance
- First-pass yield and quality metrics
- Scrap and rework reduction
- Labor productivity and efficiency
- Equipment uptime/OEE
- Employee engagement and retention
- Continuous improvement project completion
- Customer complaint reduction
Leadership Competencies- People Development
- Accountability
- Strategic Thinking
- Operational Excellence
- Quality Focus
- Customer Orientation
- Change Management
- Effective Communication
- Team Building
- Results Driven
