Manufacturing Manager

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading daily production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing of products. This role oversees production teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures operational goals related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost are consistently met. The Manufacturing Manager works closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize processes and support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations, including production scheduling, labor planning, and workflow execution
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and production employees
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control
• Establish and maintain standard work, SOPs, and best manufacturing practices
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as OEE, scrap, rework, downtime, and on-time delivery
• Partner with Engineering on process improvements, equipment upgrades, and new product introductions
• Coordinate with Maintenance to support preventive maintenance and minimize unplanned downtime
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure material availability and optimized inventory levels
• Support budgeting, labor cost management, and capital expenditure planning
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and shop-floor operations
• Experience leading hourly and salaried teams
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in industrial manufacturing, machinery, automotive, aerospace, or similar environments
• Lean, Six Sigma, or CI certification
• Experience with automation, CNC machining, fabrication, or assembly operations
• Prior responsibility for multi-shift or high-volume production environments

Key Competencies

• Leadership & People Development
• Safety & Quality Focus
• Continuous Improvement
• Operational Planning & Execution
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Data-Driven Decision Making

Work Environment

This role is primarily based in manufacturing plant environment and requires regular presence on the shop floor.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.