Production Manager

Production Manager

The Production Manager is responsible for the direct leadership and optimization of manufacturing operations within our large-scale motor and generator facility. This role focuses on meeting production targets, ensuring departmental safety, and driving high-quality output. The ideal candidate exhibits deep technical manufacturing knowledge and the ability to lead a diverse team toward operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Ideal Electric Conformance Statement: In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Represent the company with respect by conducting business in a professional and ethical manner
• Interact professionally and respectfully with customers, suppliers, and other employees
• Complete assigned work in compliance with policies and procedures, and within deadlines, with or without direct supervision; when required, record and maintain accurate records pertaining to work performed
• Apply job knowledge and safety and quality training in all aspects of work
• Closely adhere to safety and security standards and procedures
• Work effectively as a team contributor and, work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations
• Provide world-class customer service and customer-facing skills
• This position requires access to, or development of, technology or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The successful candidate must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.62) or be able to obtain the appropriate U.S. government authorization (export license) to access such technology or technical data. U.S. Person status is required for this position.

U.S. Person definition: A U.S. Person includes a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident alien (Green Card holder), a refugee, or a person granted asylum

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Production Execution: Directly oversee daily manufacturing operations, including assembly, winding, machining, welding, press, test/vpi and maintenance to ensure on-time delivery of motors and generators.
• Workflow Optimization: Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) to increase efficiency, reduce cycle times, and optimize floor throughput to achieve on time delivery.
• Scheduling: Responsible for the end-to-end manufacturing cycle, providing direct leadership and guidance to the Production Planner to ensure schedules align with capacity and customer demand.
• Resource Management: Manage production schedules, labor allocation, and departmental budgets to meet cost and productivity targets.
• Safety Leadership: Champion a "safety first" culture on the floor, ensuring all team members comply with OSHA standards and internal safety protocols.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the Materials Manager, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve technical bottlenecks and support product innovation.
• Team Development: Mentor shop floor supervisors, leads and operators, fostering accountability, professional growth, and a high-performance culture.
• KPI Tracking: Monitor and report on production KPIs (OTD, rework, scrap, and labor efficiency), adjusting floor strategies as needed.
• Compliance: Ensure all production activities and technical data handling comply with U.S. export control laws (ITAR/EAR). Maintain secured records of technical data transfers and lead by example in compliance matters.

Desired Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: High School Diploma/GED required; BS in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership in heavy manufacturing, with at least 5 years specifically in production management.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics), Microsoft 365, and project management tools.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and communication skills necessary to bridge the gap between executive goals and shop floor execution.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of heavy industrial manufacturing processes and basic maintenance requirements.

Working Conditions

• Industrial Environment: Expect exposure to noise, vibration, and temperature fluctuations typical of a heavy manufacturing setting.
• On-Site Presence: This is not a remote role—Production Managers are expected to be physically present to oversee operations, troubleshoot issues, and engage with teams.
• Safety Gear: Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and hearing protection is often required when on the production floor.
• Fast Paced & Dynamic: The role involves frequent movement between departments, quick decision making, and hands-on problem-solving.

Work Hours

• Standard Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, around 45–55 hours per week.
• Extended Hours: May include early mornings, evenings, or weekends during peak production periods, equipment outages, or major project rollouts.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to walk long distances across the plant floor, climb stairs or ladders, and occasionally access elevated platforms or confined spaces.
• Standing & Walking: Extended periods of standing or walking during plant inspections or production oversight
• Lifting: Occasionally lift or move items up to 25–50 pounds, such as parts, tools, or documents.
• Manual Dexterity: Use of hands for tasks like operating a computer, writing reports, or handling small components during inspections.
• Visual & Auditory Acuity: Clear vision and hearing to monitor equipment, read gauges, and communicate effectively in a noisy environment.
• Environmental Tolerance: Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment that may include noise, heat, dust, or exposure to machinery.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Job-Specific Requirements

Although rare, occasional travel may be necessary in this position. In such cases, the employee may be required to:

• obtain and maintain a valid passport and US-issued driver's license
• maintain a driving record that is acceptable for coverage under the company's insurance plan

Disclosures Ideal Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran, or other protected status. Ideal Electric is a drug-free workplace. This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the activities, duties, or responsibilities required for the position. Management reserves the right to assign, reassign, or change duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice.