Production Manager - Metal Injection/HPDCWe are seeking an experienced Production Manager with hands-on experience on HPDC to lead the daily operation.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Production & Team Management
- Direct and coordinate all daily activities of the HPDC production department to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
- Manage production staff, including preparing work schedules, assigning tasks, and ensuring adequate shift coverage.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), quality yield, and on-time delivery. Provide daily and weekly performance reports to senior management.
- Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, goals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff performance. Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development.
- Lead training and coaching initiatives to elevate the technical competency, problem-solving skills, and operational discipline of the production team.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, ensuring strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Establish and oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) schedule for all die-casting machinery and auxiliary equipment.
- Manage OSHA and EPA requirements and reporting.
- Perform other task assigned by the direct supervisor.
Production readiness
- Overseeing the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of new die-casting hardware (machines, furnaces, robotics).
- Actively participating in the retrofit and adaptation of existing factory facilities to the new center, planning equipment layout and material flow.
- Developing and refining the full suite of production process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), control plans, and equipment protocols.
- Establishing and maintaining a quality management system compliance with standards such as ISO 9001/IATF 16949, ensuring its effective implementation.
- Leading the recruitment, onboarding, and systematic training of key production personnel to build a skilled and accountable team.
- Utilize internal R&D projects and prototype builds as a practical platform for process optimization, equipment testing, and team training during early New Product Introduction (NPI) phases.
- Systematically manage and execute the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for future mass production projects. Ensure all processes are fully validated and capable of delivering compliant products before launch through rigorous documentation and capability studies.
- Actively participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews during new product development. Provide expert recommendations on part design, gating, tooling, and process parameters to optimize for die-casting.
QUALIFICATIONS- Thorough understanding of HPDC and supporting equipment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and upkeep maintenance software.
- Understanding of OSHA, EPA, and other governing body regulations for industry.
Preferred
- Demonstrable experience with flow/thermal/solidification modeling tools (MAGMA, FLOW-3D or equivalent).
- Practical experience with die design, gating, venting, runner systems, and tooling troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in robot programming and integration for casting cells (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, or similar).
- Strong project management skills and experience leading production teams.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Primarily office-based with regular travel to manufacturing sites, supplier locations, and industry events.
- Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines and business needs.
- Most of the time is spent in an office setting outside of the production plant or warehouse center. The environment will include, at times walking onto the plant production floor where there is weather and non-weather-related hot or humid conditions, extreme cold, working near moving mechanical parts or equipment.
- The noise level in the work environment is quiet in the office, but can be loud when on the production floor, warehouse or loading areas.
- Frequently required to sit.
COMP & BENEFITSOur employees are our most asset. We are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that helps our employees stay healthy, work-life balanced and have a sense of security. Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, the ability to participate in a 401k plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life, disability and other types of group and induvial coverages.
