Production Manager

About the role

The Production Manager at the Jackson site is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operations, ensuring safety, quality, and production goals are met. They oversee a team of First-Line Supervisors, a Process Specialist, and 65 non-exempt employees, managing approximately 75% of the Jackson workforce and 60% of the fixed cost budget.

Responsibilities

• Support health, safety, and environmental initiatives and programs at the Jackson facility.
• Drive consistency in shift practices and safety standards.
• Actively participate in all site safety processes and rituals.
• Achieve or exceed KPI targets for production, logistics, quality, and rework results.
• Manage production to achieve production goals and conform with production schedule.
• Facilitate necessary changes to the schedule when required.
• Reduce off-spec production and eliminate root causes of non-conforming material.
• Ensure sufficient management and oversight of inventories to minimize working capital and optimize inventory accuracy.
• Utilize quality incident reports, QNs, and other data sources to proactively drive improvements in processes and performance.
• Manage Operations responsibilities and activities to achieve compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 management system requirements.
• Address customer complaints (QNs) through thorough root cause analyses and effective corrective actions.
• Maintain and meet fixed cost budget and overtime targets.
• Monitor cost performance regularly and control spending within assigned cost center.
• Minimize overtime needs by working closely with FLS's.
• Provide operating line priorities to facilitate decision-making when personnel are unavailable.
• Work with Human Resources to fill vacant positions.
• Develop and mentor all personnel, with a focus on First-Line Supervisors and Logistics personnel.
• Coach and develop new Supervisors using JKO FLS Development guide.
• Complete development planning with Process Engineer to leverage his abilities and further his career.
• Address and resolve personnel performance issues within Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Polymer Science, or Business Management (preferred).
• At least five years of manufacturing experience (production, maintenance, laboratory, and quality management systems) with supervisory or management roles.
• Experience in thermoplastic compounding and extrusion (beneficial).
• A general knowledge and understanding of plant operations, capacity planning, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Self-starter with minimal supervision, capable of influencing colleagues at all levels.
• Relentless in driving results from self and others.
• Systematic thinker with a strong desire for continuous improvement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Model desired safety behaviors and participate in site safety programs and rituals.

Skills

• Must be a self-starter requiring minimal supervision.
• Capable of influencing colleagues at all levels, both within the site and the wider business organization.
• Driven to drive results from self and others.
• Systematically thinks and sees the 'big picture' with a strong desire for continuous improvement.
• Builds teamwork and collaboration both within and outside the plant.
• Uses safe work practices and adheres to Health, Safety and Environmental programs.

Benefits

Starting Day One: Choice of Preferred Provider or Consumer Driven Medical Plan including Prescription Drug Coverage, Dental, Vision, and Employee Assistance Program. 401(k) Plan with Company Match of 6%, Retirement (Pension) Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life, AD&D, and LTD Insurance, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Vacation and Holidays, Educational Assistance.