Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing Manager

Confidential Manufacturing Opportunity | Midwest

Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys being on the floor, solving problems, developing people, and improving the way things get done?

We're working with a growing, established metalworking manufacturer seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead production and related support activities. This is an opportunity for someone who wants real ownership and the ability to make an impact—not simply maintain the status quo.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a significant production operation within a growing manufacturing organization
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency
• Work directly with supervisors, operators, planning, maintenance, engineering, and leadership
• Influence manufacturing strategy and long-term operational objectives
• Develop supervisors and future manufacturing leaders
• Help improve production processes, staffing, machine utilization, and resource planning
• Work for a company that continues to invest in its people, equipment, and facilities
• Enjoy the stability and resources of a larger organization while remaining close to the operation

What You'll Do

The Manufacturing Manager will oversee daily production while keeping the operation focused on three priorities: Safety, Quality, and Productivity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Direct manufacturing policies, procedures, and daily production activities
• Monitor production KPIs and take action when performance is off track
• Plan manpower, machine capacity, and resources around production requirements
• Maintain a visible presence on the manufacturing floor and respond to problems quickly
• Partner with Planning to ensure accurate production schedules
• Work with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and other departments to resolve issues
• Support process improvements, product changes, and new manufacturing initiatives
• Establish performance expectations and hold teams accountable
• Hire, coach, develop, and evaluate manufacturing personnel
• Maintain a strong safety culture and address hazards or deficiencies
• Monitor equipment and maintenance needs
• Participate in longer-term operational and strategic planning

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 6+ years of progressively responsible manufacturing experience
• Strong knowledge of metalworking/manufacturing processes
• Experience in metal stamping or a related metalworking environment
• Previous supervisory or management experience
• Strong understanding of production flow, quality requirements, and manufacturing KPIs
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to get involved on the floor
• A track record of developing people and building accountability
• Strong judgment, initiative, work ethic, and personal integrity

A high school diploma plus relevant technical/vocational education or equivalent experience is preferred. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.

The Right Fit

You don't need to know everything on Day One. You do need to be someone who makes decisions, solves problems, communicates clearly, and develops people.

You're comfortable working with everyone from operators to senior leadership. You understand that safety and quality are non-negotiable, and you know how to hold people accountable while building a strong team culture.

If you're ready for a manufacturing leadership role where your decisions and leadership can directly influence the operation, let's have a conversation.

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.