Production Manager

About the role

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives are achieved. This role provides strategic leadership for production teams, develops and implements operational improvements, manages workforce planning, and collaborates across departments to support business growth and manufacturing excellence. The Production Manager drives continuous improvement initiatives, establishes performance metrics, and ensures efficient utilization of labor, equipment, and materials in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage production operations across multiple assembly lines, shifts, or functional areas.
• Develop and execute production plans to achieve operational, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to safety, productivity, efficiency, quality, and labor utilization.
• Manage, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leads, and production personnel.
• Drive accountability through performance management, workforce planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Inventory, and Maintenance teams to optimize production performance.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, and product quality.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and all safety standards.
• Manage labor allocation, staffing requirements, training programs, and succession planning activities.
• Lead investigations and resolution of quality, process, and operational issues.
• Support annual budgeting, resource planning, and capital improvement projects.
• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures and manufacturing best practices.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• 3+ years of experience managing supervisors, team leads, or production teams.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

Preferred Background

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to lead through supervisors and team leads.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, and process improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, KPI management, and operational excellence principles.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office, and production reporting tools.

Physical Requirements

• This position may require the ability to perform tasks that involve sitting, standing, walking, lifting 50+ lbs, bending, stooping, computer work, and other physical activities.
• Candidates should be able to meet these physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.