Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Production Manager plays a critical role in leading daily manufacturing operations and ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality production output. This position coordinates resources, supports the production team, and maintains adherence to safety and quality standards while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement on the plant floor. Through clear communication, visible leadership, and data-driven problem solving, the Production Manager identifies bottlenecks, implements solutions, and helps ensure production goals are met on time and within budget.

A successful Production Manager leads by example through positive engagement, sound decision-making, and a strong presence alongside operators and machine centers. This position provides hands-on leadership, coaching, and problem-solving to support the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of CLT and related components. The Production Manager also helps build team confidence by ensuring employees have the support, direction, and resources needed to succeed and grow.

This role contributes directly to the success of SmartLam North America by helping achieve production schedules safely and efficiently while upholding a strong commitment to quality, operational excellence, and employee development.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Product Material Management. Other combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a wood manufacturing environment with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Technical understanding of manufacturing processes and equipment, both mechanical and electrical.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control standards, and safety regulations.
• Proficiency in production management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to obtain an understanding of all manufacturing and related SOPs associated with their supervisory duties
• Capable of operating effectively during periods of aggressive deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Product Material Management or Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science & Engineering preferred.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as Zoho or Oracle.
• Certification in Project Management (PMP) or Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
• Demonstrated success in managing large teams and complex production operations.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and control production schedules to meet customer demands and company objectives.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of production staff, including training, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Monitor production processes and implement quality control measures to ensure compliance with industry standards and company policies.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to resolve production issues and optimize equipment utilization.
• Analyze production data and prepare reports to track performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and support decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations within the production area.
• Manage inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods to maintain efficient production flow.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and other process improvement methodologies.

Skills:

The Production Manager utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to effectively manage and motivate production teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Analytical skills are essential for interpreting production data, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing corrective actions to optimize workflow. Proficiency with production management software and ERP systems enables the manager to plan schedules, track inventory, and maintain accurate reporting. Knowledge of quality control and safety standards is applied continuously to uphold compliance and maintain a safe working environment. Additionally, skills in process improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma are leveraged to drive operational excellence and cost reduction initiatives.

To be successful in this position, the duties and responsibilities must be performed on-site, remote work is not available.