Production Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Manager 

Reports To: MPC Director of Operations

Location: Cincinnati 

Company Overview: 

Our client is an employee-owned company that develops, manufactures, and installs

custom durable metal and plastic nameplates, panels, overlays, labels, signs, and asset tracking labels that provide our customers with long lasting product identification and marking which helps their products standout in the marketplace. As an employee-owned company (ESOP), our employees share in the success of our businesses by generating value for our customers.

We offer competitive benefits, including employee ownership, 401k matching, a quarterly

performance bonus plan, and Horizons Fridays.

Job Overview:

To support our growing business we are seeking a Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations using a hands-on team-based approach with a great team of employees. The individual will enable our team with the tools and training needed

to continue to delight our customers with high-quality custom products and responsive service. Strong collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills are important as well as knowledge of lean process improvement methods.

Objectives: 

• Plan and direct production operations to meet or exceed company goals for delivery and quality that delight our customers.

• Provide leadership that builds a cohesive, engaged and motivated team. Strive to create and maintain a positive work environment consistent with company culture.

• Enforce policies and practices to ensure compliance and a healthy and safe workplace.

• Manage the production budget and implement cost-saving measures.

• Lead, direct, and participate in lean manufacturing initiatives that drive value for the company.

Outcomes: The Production Manager is successful when…

• Production operations consistently meet or exceed established targets for safety, quality,

delivery, and cost.

• A highly engaged and accountable production team is developed, with clear roles, expectations, and effective communication across all levels of the organization, with team members feeling valued and respected.

• Strong working relationships are established with the General Manager, production employees, and cross-functional partners to drive alignment on priorities, workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Collaboration across divisions, including Cleveland operations, is effectively leveraged to share best practices and improve overall division performance.

• Customer requirements are clearly understood and translated into operational improvements that enhance product quality, responsiveness, and profitability.

• Lean manufacturing principles are actively applied to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and drive measurable business results.

• Ongoing professional development is demonstrated through the application of new skills, tools, and leadership practices learned through provided training and coaching.

• A positive, safe, and performance-driven work environment is maintained in alignment with MPC and Horizons culture.

Responsibilities: 

• Manage daily production activities directly and through team leaders, ensuring processes run smoothly and meet set targets. Monitor production performance and adjust workflows to meet deadlines. Supervise and train production teams to optimize efficiency and ensure quality.

• Oversee quality control processes to ensure all products meet company and industry standards. Enforce safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment and reduce risks.

• Troubleshoot problems or issues affecting production. Collaborate with engineering,

procurement, and logistics to ensure smooth production flows. Communicate production

schedules, issues, and delays to other departments for seamless operations.

• Assist with the preparation of the annual production budget. Monitors the budget ensuring that the production activities adhere to the budget.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. Implement lean manufacturing principles to optimize productivity.

• Ensure that production resources, including materials and equipment, are available and properly maintained. Monitor inventory levels and order materials as needed to meet production

demands.

Qualifications: 

• At least 3 - 5 years of significant experience in a manufacturing management role, preferably in a custom, make-to-order or job-shop environment.   

• Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering or manufacturing related field.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies.

• Possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit and clearly demonstrated ability to work hands-on in a small company environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must have demonstrated ability to solve problems / create effective solutions with multi-disciplinary teams and lead as a respected coach, facilitator and teacher.