Production Manager

About the role

STRATTEC Security Corporation is one of the world’s largest suppliers providing access and security systems to the automotive market. This position will manage all activities related to the daily operation of a specific manufacturing operations department, including safety, quality, personnel, assets, inventory, scheduling, KPIs, and production of all products originating in that department.

Responsibilities

• Safety/Housekeeping
  • Establish and sustain a strong 5S culture; identify areas needing improvement and implement action plans.
  • Create and maintain a 5S responsibility matrix so all employees understand and meet expectations.
  • Provide 5S training opportunities for all individuals.
  • Enforce adherence to and drive continuous improvement in all safety matters.
  • Identify areas where safety corrective actions are needed and lead implementation.
  • Define 5S and safety KPIs; report weekly and monthly to upper management.
  • Ensure the department is “tour and audit” ready at all times.
• Production
  • Communicate clear expectations and KPIs for the department and establish action plans for each position.
  • Present KPIs to management on a weekly and monthly basis.
  • Schedule all personnel and assets to meet production requirements according to Lean best practices.
  • Manage resources to minimize inefficiencies and unnecessary overtime and cost overruns.
  • Set path to success to meet operational effectiveness goals of 85% or greater.
  • Drive positive employee engagement by establishing strong bonds and dedication between management and union hourly workforce through communication, goal setting, feedback, and recognition.
  • Coach and develop the leadership team to ensure all team members have necessary technical and leadership training to accomplish and exceed goals.
  • Strictly adhere to production processes set by engineering and quality teams; include engineering and relevant personnel when deviation from standard is required.
  • Follow all processes related to quality certifications (ISO, TS).
  • Ensure effective production teams are established across all three shifts; each shift must meet all standard work requirements and production/quality levels.
  • Maintain ownership of machines—both maintenance and cleanliness—to ensure long life and operational effectiveness; PMs and proper upkeep/operation/safety are the responsibility of the operations manager, not the maintenance department.
  • Establish cross-training matrices and implement training plans to ensure workforce flexibility.
  • Manage the uncertainty of day-to-day personnel and equipment issues; redirect schedules and employees to meet goals and objectives under dynamic conditions.
  • Utilize problem-solving tools to troubleshoot challenging situations in a complex environment.
  • Provide positive communication and attitudes; give employees feedback and direction to achieve goals.
  • Address questions or doubts about direction or methodologies with upper management to avoid a negative working environment.
• Quality
  • Adhere to all production processes as defined in work instructions; do not deviate without written authorization from proper personnel.
  • Expand and improve documentation and training to ensure employees fully understand objectives and have the skillset to meet quality and production requirements.
  • Participate in customer and quality audits when required.
  • Establish a quality-first culture; manufacturing of non-conforming goods is unacceptable.
  • Ensure all tools receive necessary preventive maintenance to avoid quality issues and maximize uptime.
• Customer Satisfaction
  • Participate in customer and quality tours as needed.
  • Ensure hourly workforce participates in tours and can explain their duties as they relate to producing quality product for customers.
  • Maintain a customer scorecard to track performance and delivery for product within assigned processes.
• Cost Reduction
  • Implement Lean tools such as Kaizen and 5S activities to meet cost-reduction goals.
  • Continually review all processes to ensure the most efficient methodologies are utilized.
  • Provide Lean and continuous-improvement training to all employees to drive CI initiatives; cost savings are often identified by the hourly workforce.
  • Identify and implement cost-savings projects throughout the year.
  • Implement and track cost-reduction KPIs; present results to management monthly.
• Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Manage employees and supervisors across three shifts, including selection, discipline, and termination decisions according to legal and union contract requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading Kaizen and 5S implementations.
• Previous responsibility for identifying and maintaining Key Performance Indicators.
• Familiarity with adhering to and maintaining quality systems (TS experience preferred).
• Must be able to utilize Microsoft Office products and other STRATTEC-specific software programs.