Production Control Manager

About the role

Ford's Van Dyke Powertrain Center is seeking a results-driven Production Control Team Manager to provide direct leadership of the Production Control team, in close collaboration with Material Handling. This is a high-visibility leadership role reporting directly to the MP&L Manager, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Purchasing.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategic Planning
  • Provide direct leadership and management of the Production Control team, while collaborating closely with Material Handling to ensure seamless material flow and production support
  • Develop department objectives, Master Schedule, and Implementation Roadmaps
  • Prioritize key issues and allocate resources accordingly
  • Ensure proper salaried headcount and manpower is in place to support the business needs
• Operating System & Business Objectives
  • Assure Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Maintenance, and Environment (SQDCPME) objectives and operating systems implementation
  • Ensure compliance with material handling guidelines and regulations
  • Oversee daily production control functions, including schedule attainment, inventory accuracy, engineering changes and launch, customer delivery performance, and material availability to support uninterrupted production
  • Assure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), vehicle safety, ergonomics, housekeeping, and related practices are being planned and adhered to
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  • Coach and counsel lean manufacturing behaviors and instill discipline in MP&L processes
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve material flow efficiency
• Supply Chain & Production Support
  • Participate with Supply Chain Management, scheduling, customers, and the plant when there are production-critical supply issues
  • Drive resolution of parts shortages, line-stoppage risks, and supplier delivery issues in real time
• People Leadership & Development
  • Represent MP&L employees in the local personnel development committee and ensure there is a developmental plan for MP&L employees, proper compensation planning, and performance reviews completed
  • Coach and counsel salaried employees as required
  • Develop action plans to improve morale within the department
  • Mentor and support career growth of team members across the MP&L organization

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or MP&L
• Strong understanding of material flow, inventory management, and production scheduling principles
• Demonstrated experience coaching Lean Manufacturing behaviors and driving process discipline
• Proven experience driving Lean Maturity Model progression and Continuous Improvement initiatives within a manufacturing environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to make quick, data-driven decisions under pressure
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across all levels, including senior leadership
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel required); experience with ERP/MRP systems a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience, preferably in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment
• Experience within a Ford or automotive powertrain/transmission manufacturing facility
• Familiarity with Ford Production System (FPS) or other Lean Manufacturing methodologies
• Applied knowledge of CMMS, SAP, and OBL (Outbound Logistics)
• Experience managing union workforce environments

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time

Pay

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $112,680 to $212,760.