Production Manager

Job Summary:
The Production Manager leads the day-to-day execution of manufacturing operations to achieve safe, efficient, high-quality, and on-time production. This role directs production through supervisors and team leads, coordinates workflow and labor needs, monitors performance, and partners with the Operations Manager to improve processes, reduce scrap, and meet customer and company objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate daily production activities across manufacturing areas through production supervisors and team leads.
• Plan and maintain the efficient flow of jobs through the shop to meet production schedules, customer requirements, and on-time delivery commitments.
• Assign priorities, balance labor and resources, and adjust workflow in response to changing production needs, constraints, or delays.
• Monitor production times, run rates, output, labor utilization, and scrap; address performance gaps and recommend improved methods of production.
• Ensure job travelers and production documentation are accurate, complete, and useful; provide feedback and recommend updates when needed.
• Enforce established quality requirements and work with the Operations Manager and production teams to resolve quality concerns and prevent recurrence.
• Monitor production equipment and tooling condition; coordinate maintenance, repair, or replacement needs with the appropriate personnel.
• Develop supervisors and team leads through clear expectations, coaching, feedback, accountability, and ongoing training.
• Coordinate training and cross-training for production associates to support safe work practices, quality standards, staffing flexibility, and employee development.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, corrective action, and staffing decisions for production personnel in coordination with Human Resources and the Operations Manager.
• Address employee concerns, conflicts, attendance, conduct, and performance issues promptly; keep management informed and involve Human Resources when appropriate.
• Evaluate overtime needs and recommend or schedule overtime as authorized to meet delivery requirements while controlling labor costs.
• Communicate production status, constraints, staffing needs, safety concerns, and performance results to the Operations Manager and other appropriate leaders.
• Support new products, special projects, process changes, and operational initiatives as assigned.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge and promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of progressive manufacturing experience, including at least three years in a production supervision or management role.
• Bachelor's degree in operations, manufacturing, engineering, business, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Advanced understanding of manufacturing processes, production equipment, workflow planning, quality practices, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead supervisors and team leads, establish accountability, coach performance, and resolve workplace issues appropriately.
• Ability to understand and interpret blueprints, job travelers, production specifications, and other manufacturing documentation.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and safe manufacturing practices.
• Ability to analyze production data, identify constraints, prioritize multiple demands, and make timely operational decisions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with production employees, leadership, Human Resources, and other departments.
• Working knowledge of general Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing or production-management systems; experience with AutoCAD is helpful but not required.