Production Manager

Scope of Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations, lead production supervisors and personnel, and ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of quality products.

The Production Manager will be responsible for executing production schedules, optimizing labor and equipment utilization, managing operational costs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with Maintenance, Scheduling, Sales, and other departments to achieve production goals, meet customer requirements, and support overall plant performance.

Responsibilities

Production Operations & Management

• Direct and oversee daily production activities to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and cost objectives are achieved.
• Manage production supervisors and personnel to ensure manufacturing operations meet established performance standards.
• Develop and execute production schedules in collaboration with the Scheduling Department to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Monitor production performance, identify operational inefficiencies, and implement corrective actions to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Ensure optimal utilization of equipment, materials, labor, and plant resources.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of production supplies to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Manager to schedule preventive maintenance and minimize equipment downtime.
• Collaborate with Sales and other departments to ensure production capabilities align with customer requirements.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and employees to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
• Oversee personnel-related activities, including hiring, performance evaluations, attendance, employee recognition, disciplinary actions, and employee relations.
• Manage temporary staffing levels to maintain labor efficiency and meet production demands.
• Ensure production employees receive appropriate training on equipment operation, safety procedures, quality standards, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the production department.

Safety, Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with all established safety, health, quality, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and company policies and procedures.
• Lead and support plant initiatives involving workplace safety, housekeeping, waste reduction, regrind management, and continuous quality improvement (CQI).
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce operating costs, and increase production efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support consistent production performance.
• Coordinate production trials, research and development activities, and packaging process evaluations, including banding and stretch-wrap applications.
• Support quality initiatives to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and company standards.

Operational Planning & Coordination

• Collaborate with plant leadership to establish production priorities and achieve operational performance objectives.
• Participate in production planning, operational reviews, and departmental meetings.
• Assist with physical inventory counts in accordance with corporate procedures.
• Monitor production costs, labor utilization, and material usage to support budget objectives.
• Coordinate special projects and cross-functional initiatives to improve plant performance.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Travel requirements may range from 0-25%.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant operations experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Experience leading production teams and managing daily manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of production scheduling, labor management, inventory control, and operational cost management.
• Understanding of manufacturing safety standards, GMP requirements, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives and improving production efficiency.
• Ability to develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Proficiency with computer applications used for production reporting, scheduling, and operational management.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and employee development skills with experience managing supervisors and production personnel.
• Ability to analyze production performance, identify operational challenges, and implement solutions.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with Maintenance, Sales, Scheduling, Quality, and other departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and make decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost control, labor efficiency, and production optimization.
• Ability to work independently while supporting plant-wide operational objectives.
• Commitment to workplace safety, product quality, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

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