Production Manager

Production Manager Battery Manufacturing (American Fork, UT) We are launching a new U.S.-based battery manufacturing line and are seeking a hands-on, technically strong Production Manager to lead its development and operation. This role is responsible for partnering with engineering to set up and optimize the production line, then taking full ownership once the line transitions to operationsscaling output, hiring and developing the team, and running day-to-day production. You will be responsible for establishing processes, implementing industry best practices, and ensuring high levels of quality, safety, and efficiency. You will play a critical role in shaping our manufacturing capability from the ground up. Key Responsibilities Production Leadership & Execution Own daily production performance, including output, yield, quality, and uptime Establish and track key production metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap, downtime) Drive execution against production schedules and delivery commitments Process Development & Continuous Improvement Develop and implement standardized work instructions and SOPs Introduce and drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste Quality & Compliance Establish and maintain robust quality control processes for battery assembly Ensure all products meet internal and regulatory requirements Maintain production documentation, traceability, and reporting systems Equipment & Manufacturing Systems Oversee operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of production equipment Implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime Support equipment upgrades, line optimization, and scaling efforts Team Leadership Build, train, and lead a high-performing production team Establish a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement Manage staffing, scheduling, and performance expectations Safety & Regulatory Compliance Enforce safety protocols related to battery manufacturing, including chemical and electrical hazards Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety standards Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready production environment Qualifications Required 7+ years of manufacturing experience, with increasing responsibility Proven experience leading production teams in a technical manufacturing environment Strong understanding of production systems, quality control, and process optimization Hands-on experience troubleshooting equipment and production issues Experience implementing structured manufacturing processes (SOPs, KPIs, etc.) Preferred Experience in battery manufacturing, electronics, or energy storage systems Experience launching or scaling a new production line Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies Experience with traceability systems and regulated production environments