Production Manager

Production ManagerThe Production Manager is a senior operations leader responsible for end-to-end production performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role owns daily execution while driving long-term operational capability through people development, standardization, and continuous improvement. This position requires a hands-on leader who can balance urgency with discipline, lead through change, and build high-performing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Success in this role is defined not only by results, but by the ability to develop leaders, stabilize processes, and sustain improvements.Key Responsibilities:Operational OwnershipOwn and lead all production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and predictable execution.Plan, schedule, and adjust daily and weekly production activities to meet customer demand, capacity, and labor availability.Ensure effective process flow, on-time execution, and adherence to quality standards across all shifts.Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.Analyze production data and performance metrics to identify gaps and implement improvements across processes, people, and equipment.Track and report key performance indicators related to safety, production output, efficiency, quality, and downtime.Establish, maintain, and support product quality specifications and quality control programs.Leadership & Team DevelopmentBuild, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline leaders to create a strong leadership pipeline.Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement at all levels.Administer company policies fairly and consistently, providing coaching and corrective action when necessary.Support onboarding, training, and ongoing performance development for all production team members.Ensure strong communication and alignment across shifts to maintain operational continuity.Continuous Improvement & Lean ExecutionLead structured continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles (A3, Kaizen, standard work, root cause analysis).Identify and eliminate waste, variation, and inefficiencies across people, processes, and equipment.Standardize best practices and ensure disciplined follow-through to sustain gains.Actively leads change initiatives and drive adoption across the organization.Performance Management & Data-Driven Decision MakingTrack, analyze, and report key performance indicators including safety, quality, OEE, labor efficiency, scrap, downtime, and on-time delivery.Use ERP/MES and operational data to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities.Translate operational metrics into clear insights and action plans aligned with business objectives.Manage labor and operational spending to meet cost and productivity targets.Safety, Quality, & ComplianceLead a safety-first culture by maintaining an organized, compliant work environment and promptly addressing unsafe acts or conditions.Ensure compliance with all EHS policies, regulations, and company standards.Establish, maintain, and support product quality specifications and quality control programs.Serve as a role model for ethical leadership and ESG principles.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Customer Service, Scheduling, Procurement, Quality, EHS, Finance, Maintenance, and engineering to ensure stable operations and strong customer outcomes.Proactively identify operational risks and develop contingency plans to ensure continuity of supply.QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred.5+ years' experience in a manufacturing environment with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.Proven experience leading high-volume, multi-line manufacturing operations.Demonstrated success improving KPIs such as OEE, OTIF, scrap, labor efficiency, and safety.Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing frontline leaders.Experience leading through growth, transformation, or turnaround environments.Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing systems and structured problem-solving.Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to link operations to profitability.ERP/MES experience preferred.