Production Manager (Birmingham)

Job Description

Job Description

Our History:

The Storyteller Overland vibe started out as a drawing on a restaurant napkin in 2017 illustrating a desire to help people live more adventurous lives. Back then, very few had ever heard of an adventure van, and some at the restaurant table with Founder Jeffrey Hunter had doubts it would ever sell.

The company officially launched in 2018 with a humble yet confident team of seven employees. Over the next year, we worked on launching our MODE 4x4 and finding dealer partners to work with, and finally, the dream was turning into a reality.

We’ve been fortunate to be full speed ahead since then. We’ve added sister companies to our galaxy and built out quite the impressive team – hopefully you included. We hit 500 vans built, then 1,000, then so many more that these milestones became difficult to keep track of. We’ve added new vehicles to our lineup and have built a massive community of like-minded adventurers that also continues to grow.

Today, Storyteller Overland is the most expansive adventure vehicle company in North America built on an authentic spirit of adventure, a passion for exceptionally well-crafted rigs, and a deep love and affinity for the community of owners we serve.

As we reflect on our history, though, we remind ourselves that our best ideas are still ahead of us, not behind us. Here’s to saying yes to the next grand adventure!

Our Culture:

We are proud to have a values-based culture, which means we focus less on rules & transacting and more on values & transforming. Our goal is to create workplaces and spaces where great people can do great things in order to thrive and flourish both professionally and personally.

Overview:

As the Production Manager for Storyteller Overland, you will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of our  production facility. You will oversee and lead the production of Storyteller’s adventure vehicles and a team of assembly technicians that will build them. You will be expected to hire, train, lead, and develop your team members and to show exceptional leadership, be a team player, and a superior brand ambassador of our reputation within our vibrant community of vanlifers, adventure seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

General Responsibilities including such things as: 

• Oversee daily production and assembly operations for Adventure Trucks and/or Vans, ensuring safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time completion.
• Plan, assign, and direct daily work activities to achieve production goals and optimize labor and resource utilization.
• Ensure compliance with established safety, quality, environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Maintain hands-on proficiency across production stations, providing technical support, troubleshooting issues, and assisting with assembly activities as needed.
• Monitor individual and team performance, identify deficiencies, and provide timely, constructive coaching to improve outcomes.
• Partner with Quality, Procurement, and Engineering to resolve production challenges, address inventory constraints, and implement parts or process changes.
• Ensure production teams have the tools, materials, training, and resources necessary to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
• Monitor production schedules, throughput, workmanship, and rework to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and quality.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, standardized work practices, and 5S principles throughout the production environment.
• Motivate and engage team members to consistently achieve production objectives while reinforcing the organization's shared vision and values.
• Foster a positive, high-performing team environment through effective communication, cooperation, and camaraderie.
• Perform additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned to support organizational and team goals.

Work Schedule:

• Fixed - M-Th, 6am to 5pm

Work Location:

• Facility located in the Lakeshore Area / West Homewood; Birmingham, AL

  Qualifications/Skills:

• The ideal candidate must possess the ability to effectively manage personnel, streamline processes, and optimize resources to meet production objectives while upholding product quality standards.

Education and Experience: 

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Management, Manufacturing Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience considered
• Proven experience in a production or manufacturing environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Strong knowledge of production processes, equipment, and quality control
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with safety regulations and a commitment to maintaining a safe workplace
• Proficiency in using computer software for production scheduling and reporting

Position Scorecard:

• Core Competencies: Production Planning & Execution, Manufacturing & Assembly Expertise, Hands-On Technical Proficiency, Leadership & Team Development, Coaching & Performance Management, Operational Excellence, Safety Leadership, Quality Management, Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Decision-Making & Accountability, Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement, Resource & Labor Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Adaptability & Flexibility, Results Orientation, Integrity & Cultural Leadership
• Position Mission: Lead and develop a high-performing production team that consistently delivers exceptional-quality Adventure Trucks safely, efficiently, and on schedule by driving operational excellence, fostering accountability and collaboration, and championing continuous improvement in alignment with our shared vision and values.
• Anticipated Outcome: Consistently achieve production, safety, quality, and delivery targets by developing a high-performing team, optimizing manufacturing efficiency, and driving continuous improvement throughout Adventure Truck production operations.
  

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• This job entails prolonged periods of standing and walking around the manufacturing floor
• Precision and coordination are crucial for assembling intricate components and operating machinery. Employees must be capable of using hand and power tools with a steady hand
• Assembly tasks may require reaching, stretching, and bending to access components, equipment, and workstations as well as the ability to stoop, kneel, or crouch is necessary for accessing low-lying work areas and performing assembly tasks close to the ground
• Employees must have good visual acuity to inspect and ensure the quality of components and products. This may involve reading technical documents and operating machinery with precision
• The role may require the ability to hear and respond to alarms, machinery sounds, and co-worker communication in a manufacturing environment
• For tasks involving computer work or documentation, employees may be required to sit for extended periods
• Exposure to Hazardous Materials: In some cases, employees may be exposed to chemicals or substances used in the manufacturing process. Proper safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided
• This role requires regular operation of company vehicles, including cars, vans, or trucks, to perform job duties. Employees must have a valid driver's license and the ability to safely operate vehicles in accordance with local traffic laws and company policies.

Candidates should be aware that the physical demands listed above are representative but not exhaustive. The role may require additional physical tasks not listed here, depending on specific job assignments and production needs. Accommodations will be made in compliance with applicable laws for individuals with disabilities.

Exemption Status:  Exempt