Production Manager

About the role

The Production Manager will be a member of the Cable manufacturing team responsible for providing support to the plant’s production associates in a 24/7 operation. The Production Manager will assist with managing multiple production lines. The position will report to the Department Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing daily production operations to include ensuring a safe working environment, work‑schedule management, staffing to meet demand; ensuring adherence to the production schedule; investigating and resolving quality issues; and the initiation of corrective and preventative actions as appropriate.
• Sustain and improve plant housekeeping, safety, productivity, and material flow by applying lean manufacturing principles and conducting continuous improvement activities such as kaizen events to eliminate waste.
• Ensure compliance with all safety rules and EHS permits at all times.
• Monitor and routinely report performance on key operating metrics which may include items such as % material yield (scrap), labor efficiency and capacity utilization; identify trends and launch improvement activities to capture opportunities.
• Provide direction to assigned production associates through routine individual and team assessments.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with internal support groups including Engineering, HR, EHS, Maintenance/Mechatronics, Scheduling, Shipping, and Supply Chain.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment built upon teamwork, accountability, integrity, and mutual respect where associates proactively engage in continuous improvement.
• Develop associates to expand their contribution and allow them to grow into positions of increasing responsibility through the execution of cross‑training and development plans.
• Support AFL’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Responsible for upholding a zero‑defect culture in support of continuous improvement of quality, performance and morale leveraging our AFL Manufacturing Excellence (AME) initiative.
• Complete routine administrative tasks as assigned including the review and approval of associate time records; the monitoring of attendance; and the application of attendance and other policies.
• Support the building and execution of the annual business plan including the capacity, investment, materials, budget, and staffing plans to meet forecast demand; and the setting and achievement of objectives to improve operational performance.
• Control operating expenses to meet approved budget including materials, consumables, labor, overtime, and other operating expenses.
• Actively participate in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align resources (capacity, staffing, expenses, materials, etc.) with customer orders and financial results.
• Lead, participate, and support cross‑functional project teams to achieve objectives.
• Adhere to inventory management and control procedures to ensure accuracy and minimize variances. Function as the approver for the routine cycle counting process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Two plus years of experience as a leader in a lean/JIT/process‑driven industrial or automotive manufacturing environment.
• Results‑oriented professional with experience solving manufacturing problems using methodologies such as Kaizen, Six Sigma and/or DMAIC.
• Green‑belt, CQE or equivalent certification is a plus.
• Experience building and executing an annual operational business plan to include capacity, investment, materials, budget and staffing plans.
• Solid understanding of EHS and quality management systems including current ISO 9001 & 14001 standards.
• Hands‑on experience applying workplace 6/5S and lean manufacturing principles is required.
• Able to support off‑shift and/or weekend operations with limited prior notice.
• User of manufacturing related modules in Oracle R12 or another ERP system.
• Intermediate or higher user of MS Office.

Skills

• Strong leadership skills.
• Hands‑on team player with well‑developed interpersonal skills that is comfortable leading in a cross‑functional, multi‑cultural environment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizational boundaries and build strong business partnerships.
• Well‑honed and balanced people skills with experience in a performance‑driven operation.
• Results‑oriented.
• Self‑motivated.

Benefits

• 401K Company match (up to 4% – dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry‑leading company

Schedule

The role operates in a 24/7 production environment and requires availability for off‑shift and/or weekend operations with limited prior notice.