Production Manager

Production Manager

The Production Manager leads multiple filling lines and production teams, ensuring schedules are achieved, resources are effectively utilized, and downtime is minimized. This position is accountable for optimizing operational performance, reducing waste, improving equipment utilization, and ensuring products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. The Production Manager collaborates closely with Quality, Maintenance, Planning, Warehouse, and Engineering teams to support continuous improvement initiatives and deliver exceptional customer service.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Manage the daily operations of the Production Department to ensure production schedules are met safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards.
• Supervise and support production supervisors, leads, and operators to achieve departmental goals.
• Monitor productivity, quality, safety, housekeeping, and operational performance across multiple filling lines.
• Drive the implementation and sustainment of Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility, including 5S, visual management, standard work, waste elimination, and continuous flow concepts.
• Coordinate staffing and production resources to meet customer demand and maximize efficiency.
• Minimize downtime through effective troubleshooting and collaboration with Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, SOPs, safety policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and improve key performance metrics, including throughput, efficiency, scrap, downtime, and schedule attainment.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions related to production, quality, and safety issues.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to team members to support employee development and engagement.
• Foster employee involvement in continuous improvement efforts by encouraging idea generation, ownership, and accountability for results.
• Maintain accurate production records and ensure timely completion of required documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Participate in production planning activities and communicate operational priorities to the team.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a managerial role within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies, including demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate Kaizen events, 5S initiatives, waste reduction efforts, and continuous improvement projects that drive operational excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong supervisory, computer, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to improve productivity and output in a production environment.
• Experience driving or supporting automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Proven ability to evaluate personnel performance and equipment capability to optimize operations.
• Ability to assess production processes and staffing requirements to achieve optimal results.
• Ability to coach and develop leaders in following procedures and achieving timely, efficient execution of objectives.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly and effectively convey expectations and information to employees at all levels.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to direct, delegate, prioritize, and problem-solve effectively.
• Ability to work independently, make timely and accurate decisions, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to inspect work and make sound quality-related decisions.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, FDA/GMP/SOP compliance, and adherence to company policies, procedures, and attendance expectations.
• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.

Preferred Knowledge, Certifications, Skills & Abilities

• Previous liquid filling and/or packaging experience preferred.
• Experience in cosmetics, personal care, OTC, pharmaceutical, food, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Advanced training in Quality Control Systems or related disciplines.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired.
• Strong working knowledge of OSHA regulations and GMP compliance standards.