Production Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Production Manager to lead and oversee multi-shift manufacturing operations. In this role, you will guide Production Managers and their teams to achieve key performance indicators across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity.

This leader will play a critical role in developing a world-class manufacturing culture built on continuous improvement, Lean methodology, standardized work, and frontline team empowerment.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Promote a culture where Safety and Stability are the highest priorities.
• Lead Production Area Managers across Welding, Machine Shop, Paint, and Assembly.
• Ensure effective spans of control through Production Managers, Group Leaders, and Team Leaders.
• Develop leaders through coaching, standardized work, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build a “Stop, Call, Wait” culture to address abnormalities quickly and drive root-cause problem-solving.
• Develop Skills Matrices and training plans; partner with HR on new-hire onboarding.

Production & Performance Management

• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly production targets are met.
• Collaborate with Scheduling Teams to set and execute production plans.
• Minimize overtime by ensuring proper staffing and capacity planning.
• Track KPIs and drive action plans for improvement.
• Ensure standardized work is audited and adhered to across the facility.
• Promote Visual Factory principles and maintain 5S across all areas.
• Lead daily Gemba walks, maintain area boards, and track issues through resolution.
• Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Inventory Leaders.

Capacity Planning

• Evaluate 3-, 6-, and 12-month capacity needs based on demand forecasting.
• Maintain and update the plant capacity model.
• Develop staffing budgets and workforce plans for all production departments.
• Present capacity plans during SIOP meetings and collaborate on constraint mitigation.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives across operations.
• Coach leaders and frontline teams in Lean tools and methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, standardized work, etc.).
• Lead cost-reduction and efficiency-improvement projects.
• Promote a “learn by doing” culture focused on small, incremental improvements.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
• Strong experience leading multi-shift operations
• Proven background implementing Toyota Production System (TPS) or Lean Manufacturing (7–10 years minimum)
• Experience with high-mix / low-volume production environments
• SAP proficiency
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Supervisory experience managing Production Managers and large teams
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
• Ability to manage diverse workforces and maintain a flexible schedule

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt / Black Belt)
• Experience using Kanban, JIT, 5S, Kaizen leadership, and other Lean methods
• Demonstrated success improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering defect rates
• Experience with SPC (Statistical Process Control) and data-driven decision making

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related fields preferred)