We are seeking a Production Manager, Lean Operations & Continuous Improvement to strengthen operational performance, develop our people, and build a scalable manufacturing organization as we grow, expand production capabilities, and support the next generation of analytical technologies.
This opportunity extends beyond day-to-day production management. As a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, you will shape operating systems, challenge established practices and embed continuous improvement into daily work. What you will do
- Lead production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement objectives while responding to changing customer needs.
- Manage production plan execution, labor resources, capacity, and workforce utilization to support current demand and future growth.
- Build an accountable, customer-focused manufacturing organization through clear expectations, daily management systems, and measurable performance goals.
- Collaborate with Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to resolve issues and improve operational performance.
- Advance Thornton's Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement efforts through Kaizen events, structured problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making.
- Implement and sustain visual management, standard work, layered accountability, and 5S to eliminate waste and improve manufacturing, material flow, quality, and administrative processes.
- Foster a safety-first culture through proactive risk reduction, routine Gemba walks, safety observations, and employee participation in hazard identification and corrective action.
- Ensure compliance with applicable environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Quality and Engineering to strengthen process capability, quality ownership, process adherence, root-cause analysis, and corrective action effectiveness.
- Support validation, process qualification, and new product introductions.
- Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team, strengthening the capabilities of supervisors, team leaders, and emerging talent.
- Improve employee engagement through feedback, recognition, and development; build workforce flexibility through cross-training and establish succession plans for key roles.
- Remove operational constraints and develop manufacturing systems that improve capacity, productivity, quality, and responsiveness.
- Support capital investment planning and implementation, and evaluate automation and digital transformation opportunities with Engineering and Operations leaders.
- Contribute to annual operating plans, long-range capacity planning, and operational readiness for strategic growth initiatives.
- The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing leadership experience, Lean expertise, a growth mindset, and a passion for developing people-with the ability to translate strategic priorities into practical actions and sustainable results through frontline teams.
What You Need to Succeed
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or equivalent) required
- Minimum 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
- Minimum 3 years leading supervisors and production teams in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and operational improvement initiatives.
- Strong understanding of production systems, capacity planning, material flow, and manufacturing metrics.
- Proven ability to develop teams, drive accountability, and lead organizational change.
- Experience working within regulated or quality-focused manufacturing environments.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Our Offer to You
- Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching - all starting on date of hire
- Tuition reimbursement, educational matching gift program, perks and discounts
- Parental and caregiver leave programs
- All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
- Global market strength and worldwide leadership in precision instrumentation
- A brand name that is identified worldwide with precision, quality, and innovation
- Thousands of patents, design and innovation awards across the Mettler Toledo
- Global recognition for the quality of our products and services
Job Reference # 23705
Preferred Location Massachusetts
Billerica
Job Type Full-time
Legal Entity THOR Bedford MOPO
900 Middlesex Turnpike Billerica, MA 01821 United States
+1 (781) 301-8600
