Production Manager

Production Manager

Summary

The Production Manager oversees shop floor operations under the direction of senior plant leadership and follows established procedures and approved processes. This role supervises all production activities including machining, processing, and assembly.

The Production Manager plans, schedules, and coordinates departmental activities to fulfill customer orders, meet inventory requirements, and ensure manufactured products are delivered on time. This position also mentors and develops production staff to maintain motivation, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement.

The role ensures production issues are reported promptly and corrective actions are implemented to resolve operational challenges. These responsibilities are carried out directly or through subordinate supervisors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for departmental operational metrics including:

  • Production efficiency targets of 85% or greater

  • Annual department turnover rate below 10%

  • Zero recordable safety incidents and timely reporting of any incidents

  • Annual cost reduction initiatives of approximately 3%

  • Incoming quality performance targets

• Collaborate with leadership teams to establish site-specific operational policies, procedures, and goals.

• Lead the production organization and serve as the primary operational leader for production-related matters across multiple shifts.

• Supervise production supervisors responsible for three-shift operations.

• Ensure consistent and effective communication between shifts.

• Maintain a safe and organized work environment and ensure adherence to all safety procedures.

• Review production schedules to determine staffing, work assignments, inventory requirements, and workflow priorities in coordination with materials management.

• Develop and implement improvements to production methods, equipment utilization, and product quality.

• Utilize ERP systems (preferably SAP) and operational audits to identify risk areas and implement mitigation strategies.

• Ensure compliance with applicable quality and operational standards such as IATF, ISO, and information security requirements where applicable.

• Enforce all company safety procedures and promote a safety-first culture.

• Inspect parts and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.

• Communicate with technical, engineering, and administrative teams to resolve production issues and improve operational processes.

• Recommend changes to working conditions, equipment usage, and production processes to improve efficiency.

• Coordinate with Human Resources to develop and deliver training for production employees.

• Support quality management initiatives including participation in ISO/IATF programs.

• Participate in APQP and PPAP processes when required.

• Assist in the implementation and follow-up of corrective and preventive actions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position provides leadership and direction to approximately 6–9 Production Supervisors and indirectly oversees 250–300 hourly production employees across multiple shifts.

Qualifications

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Required skills include:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, leadership teams, and external partners

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical or engineering-related field or

• Seven to ten (7–10) years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment

• Demonstrated leadership and structured problem-solving experience

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

• Ability to analyze data and apply logical problem-solving methods

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with 5S and Six Sigma methodologies

• Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, and PPAP

• Basic statistical analysis knowledge for process improvement initiatives

Language Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents and operational instructions

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly

• Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, and procedure documentation

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply basic mathematical principles

• Ability to perform basic statistical analysis and interpret production data

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to identify problems, collect and analyze data, and develop effective solutions

• Ability to interpret written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions

Physical Demands

The physical demands listed below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Employees may be required to:

• Stand, walk, and move throughout a manufacturing facility

• Use hands and arms to operate equipment and handle materials

• Lift or move materials up to 30–50 pounds

• Utilize close and distance vision

• Work in office and production environments

Work Environment

This role operates in a combination of office and manufacturing plant environments. The position requires frequent interaction with cross-functional teams including operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, and production personnel.

The role may require occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, or customer locations.