Production Manager

About the Role

Search Solution Group is seeking a Production Manager on behalf of our client for a manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations and personnel within a 24/7 production environment to ensure production targets, quality standards, safety initiatives, and operational goals are consistently achieved. The Production Manager will play a critical leadership role in driving continuous improvement, optimizing manufacturing processes, reducing downtime and scrap, and fostering a culture centered around safety, accountability, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of 24/7 manufacturing operations and plant development activities to achieve short- and long-term operational goals.
• Oversee manufacturing functions across all shifts to ensure on-time production and shipment of quality products.
• Plan and manage production flow, monitor schedules, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and resolve operational challenges.
• Develop and maintain a positive employee relations environment that promotes engagement, growth, and accountability.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to support professional development and succession planning initiatives.
• Drive world-class Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) initiatives and foster a strong safety-first culture throughout the plant.
• Ensure compliance with all operational, safety, administrative, and business control requirements.
• Develop and implement sustainable manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce scrap, and meet budgeted metrics.
• Identify and implement process, equipment, facility, and staffing improvements to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead implementation and execution of quality systems to ensure products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, process improvement, and operational standardization.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including First Pass Yield, scrap reduction, operational efficiency, quality, and accountability.
• Formalize employee training and qualification processes across all shifts.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to support and implement corporate initiatives and operational directives.

Requirements

• Education: BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience preferred. Candidates with a high school diploma and a combination of relevant education and supervisory/management experience will also be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in complex, 24/7 manufacturing or process-driven plant operations. Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience with demonstrated leadership capabilities. Experience with lean manufacturing methodologies, process improvement tools, Kaizen, LMS, and continuous improvement initiatives. Proven ability to lead teams, improve operational performance, and drive accountability in a manufacturing environment.
• Certifications: OSHA or safety-related certifications are a plus. Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certifications are preferred but not required.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities.
• Technical aptitude with manufacturing processes and production operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• ERP systems knowledge required; SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of manufacturing best practices related to safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost control.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, 5S, process improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of EH&S standards and OSHA compliance.
• Familiarity with KPI tracking, scrap reduction strategies, and operational efficiency metrics.
• Knowledge of workforce planning, staffing optimization, and succession planning.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Safety-focused mentality.
• Accountability and results orientation.
• Strategic thinking and operational planning.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to motivate and develop employees.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to quality and operational excellence.