Production Manager

Production Manager

Location: Carson, CA Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 Work Model: Onsite

The Production Manager is responsible for executing the Production Plan completed by the Operations Manager with the focus being on the shop floor leading and coordinating the daily production activities with the production staff. The Production Manager must ensure the rail vehicles, either new or overhauled are produced efficiently, safely, with impeccable quality, on time to our customer schedules, and within labor hours budgeted for the project. This role leads production teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives, maintains quality standards in our workmanship, and ensures compliance with project work instructions, our ISO-9001/QMS Process, company policies and regulatory requirements. The Production Manager must be a dynamic leader who motivates the production staff with consistent, clear and professional communication techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily shift production meetings to communicate tasks and address blockers impacting the schedule.
• Provide end-of-shift status updates to the Operations Manager and Production Planner.
• Update project visualization screens daily to reflect current progress.
• Plan and oversee daily production schedules to meet customer demand and delivery requirements.
• Monitor production output and adjust staffing, equipment, and resources as needed.
• Collaborate with Quality, Testing, Methods, Engineering, and Materials/Purchasing teams to support production goals.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed, safety training is current, and safety measures are continuously improved.
• Prepare monthly status reports comparing actual results to targets, and develop recovery plans if off-track.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and process quality.
• Oversee production supervisors, leads, and staff, communicating expectations and targets.
• Train staff on work methods, procedures, documentation, and tooling use.
• Assist with developing and refining production work instructions, ensuring quality compliance in processes like brazing, crimping, torquing, and gluing.
• Maintain a clean and organized production area, implementing 5S practices.
• Monitor work in process, ensuring process adherence and completion of travelers.
• Ensure employees have the necessary tools and resources, addressing budget concerns with the Operations Manager as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in customer visits, production reviews, and program status meetings.
• Conduct weekly production status presentations to customers.
• Track labor hours, productivity, and schedule adherence using Rippling or ERP systems.
• Coordinate with Quality and Testing to address workmanship issues and implement corrective actions.
• Perform safety audits, document findings, and develop corrective action plans.
• Manage direct reports: Production Supervisors, Production Leads, Production Staff.
• Start work at least 15 minutes before supervisors and remain until the end of the day.
• Ensure staff stays focused on workstation tasks, maintaining compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Meet delivery schedules and uphold high-quality workmanship standards to avoid delays and rework.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of production processes, safety standards, and quality control.
• Excellent communication and team management skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems and production tracking tools.
• Ability to analyze performance data and develop recovery plans.
• Knowledge of ISO-9001/QMS processes and continuous improvement methodologies.
• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• Relevant certifications in safety, quality, or production management are a plus.