Production Manager – Metal Injection/HPDC

About PSW Group

PSW Group is a leading recycler and producer of non-ferrous lightweight metals, specializing in magnesium and aluminum. We supply a broad range of products including secondary magnesium alloys, primary and secondary aluminum alloys, and tolling and chip recycling services. Our international production facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia provide a cross-continental network of reliable supply. We are investing in a state-of-the-art Advanced Casting Technology Development Center to increase new HPDC, semi-solid casting, and other technologies for aluminum and magnesium casting development, driving next-generation casting solutions for automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and other light-metal industries.

Responsibilities

Production & Team Management

• Direct and coordinate all daily activities of the HPDC production department to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Manage production staff, including preparing work schedules, assigning tasks, and ensuring adequate shift coverage.
• Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), quality yield, and on-time delivery. Provide daily and weekly performance reports to senior management.
• Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, goals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff performance. Conduct regular performance reviews and support career development.
• Lead training and coaching initiatives to elevate the technical competency, problem-solving skills, and operational discipline of the production team.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment, ensuring strict compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Establish and oversee a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) schedule for all die-casting machinery and auxiliary equipment.
• Manage OSHA and EPA requirements and reporting.
• Perform other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor.

Production Readiness

• Oversee the installation, commissioning, and acceptance of new die-casting hardware (machines, furnaces, robotics).
• Actively participate in the retrofit and adaptation of existing factory facilities to the new center, planning equipment layout and material flow.
• Develop and refine the full suite of production process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), control plans, and equipment protocols.
• Establish and maintain a quality management system compliant with standards such as ISO 9001/IATF 16949, ensuring its effective implementation.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and systematic training of key production personnel to build a skilled and accountable team.
• Utilize internal R&D projects and prototype builds as a practical platform for process optimization, equipment testing, and team training during early New Product Introduction (NPI) phases.
• Systematically manage and execute the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) for future mass production projects. Ensure all processes are fully validated and capable of delivering compliant products before launch through rigorous documentation and capability studies.
• Actively participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews during new product development. Provide expert recommendations on part design, gating, tooling, and process parameters to optimize for die-casting.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of HPDC and supporting equipment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and upkeep maintenance software.
• Understanding of OSHA, EPA, and other governing body regulations for industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience with flow/thermal/solidification modeling tools (MAGMA, FLOW-3D or equivalent).
• Practical experience with die design, gating, venting, runner systems, and tooling troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in robot programming and integration for casting cells (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, or similar).
• Strong project management skills and experience leading production teams.

Work Environment

Primarily office-based with regular travel to manufacturing sites, supplier locations, and industry events. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines and business needs. The environment includes time spent on the plant production floor where there may be weather and non-weather-related hot or humid conditions, extreme cold, and working near moving mechanical parts or equipment. The noise level in the work environment is quiet in the office but can be loud on the production floor, warehouse, or loading areas. Frequently required to sit.

Benefits

Our benefits package includes a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, the ability to participate in a 401k plan with a company match, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other types of group and individual coverages.

Culture

PSW Group is dedicated to fostering an open, inclusive, and trusting culture where every employee feels valued and respected. We treat all employees fairly and with respect and dignity, regardless of position or background. Our open-door policy encourages sharing thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with management. We aim to foster a culture of trust and transparency, actively listening to employees and providing honest, responsible feedback. The safety and well-being of our employees are of utmost importance, and we maintain the highest standards of safety in everything we do.