Production Manager

Production Manager We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead daily operations at our plastic injection molding manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing production scheduling, materials coordination, workflow management, and operational execution to ensure customer orders are delivered safely, efficiently, and on time. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving productivity, maintaining quality standards, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives while providing leadership to a team of approximately 15 production employees. This position works closely with Customer Service, Purchasing, Quality, Maintenance, and Corporate Operations teams to ensure smooth and efficient manufacturing operations. Production Planning & Scheduling Develop and manage daily and weekly production schedules to meet customer delivery requirements. Coordinate machine loading, labor allocation, and production priorities across molding operations. Monitor schedule attainment and adjust production plans to address changes in demand, equipment downtime, or staffing needs. Communicate schedule changes and production priorities effectively to production personnel. Collaborate with customer service and planning teams to support on-time delivery performance. Materials & Inventory Coordination Ensure raw materials and production supplies are available to support uninterrupted operations. Monitor inventory levels and communicate material requirements to supply chain teams. Support inventory control initiatives and cycle count accuracy. Minimize material shortages, scrap, and excess inventory. Operational Performance Drive production efficiency, throughput, and equipment utilization. Monitor key manufacturing metrics, including output, downtime, scrap, and labor performance. Ensure compliance with quality standards and established manufacturing procedures. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, productivity, quality, and cost reduction. Assist in troubleshooting production issues and coordinating corrective actions. Team Leadership Lead, coach, and support approximately 15 hourly production employees on first shift, while providing oversight and coordination for off-shift operations. Provide performance feedback, direction, and employee development support. Maintain accountability for attendance, safety, performance, and work standards. Foster a positive, collaborative, and team-oriented culture. Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and employee relations activities as needed. Safety & Compliance Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with quality standards, work instructions, and company policies. Maintain housekeeping and organization standards throughout the facility. Qualifications Required 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in plastic injection molding or a related manufacturing environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong experience in production scheduling and materials coordination. Experience supervising hourly manufacturing employees. Working knowledge of production planning, inventory control, and manufacturing processes. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple operational activities in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with ERP systems (IQMS experience preferred) and Microsoft Office applications. Preferred Plastic injection molding manufacturing experience. Experience working in a small to mid-sized manufacturing facility. Understanding of production metrics, scheduling systems, and workflow management. Technical manufacturing background. Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience. Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday. Frequent use of hands, vision, hearing, and verbal communication. Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments. Work Environment This position is a combination of office and manufacturing floor work and requires regular interaction with production personnel and manufacturing equipment. Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader to make a direct impact on plant performance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy leading teams while driving results, we encourage you to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.