Production Manager

Production Manager - 3rd Shift
Reports To: Operations Manager
Direct Reports: Approximately 20 Machine Operators
Shift: 3rd Shift
Position Summary
The 3rd Shift Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of night-shift manufacturing operations, including safety, quality, production performance, staffing, employee development, and process improvement. This position ensures that production goals are achieved while maintaining compliance with quality standards, SPC requirements, preventive maintenance procedures, and attendance expectations.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong technical knowledge, proven leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills. This individual must be able to motivate employees, drive accountability, identify opportunities for improvement, and collaborate effectively with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
Production Management

• Lead and coordinate all 3rd shift manufacturing operations to meet daily production schedules and customer requirements.
• Monitor production performance, efficiency, downtime, scrap, and labor utilization.
• Ensure shift goals are achieved while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Provide direction and support to operators to ensure successful operation of equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Escalate and address production issues in a timely manner to minimize disruption.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement throughout the shift.
• Ensure compliance with all quality procedures, inspection requirements, and SPC processes.
• Monitor quality metrics and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Hold operators accountable for part quality and adherence to manufacturing standards.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering teams to reduce defects, improve capability, and decrease scrap.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Supervise, coach, and develop approximately 20 production operators.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.
• Conduct employee training, performance discussions, and ongoing coaching.
• Support employee engagement and assist in resolving workplace concerns.
• Identify and develop future leaders within the organization.
• Ensure consistent enforcement of company policies and procedures.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct routine safety observations and address unsafe behaviors or conditions.
• Ensure operators follow established work instructions and safe operating practices.
• Lead investigations and corrective actions related to safety incidents and near misses.

Staffing & Attendance Management

• Manage staffing levels to support production demands.
• Coordinate cross-training activities to improve workforce flexibility.
• Monitor attendance and enforce attendance policies consistently.
• Work with Human Resources and Operations leadership regarding attendance, performance, and disciplinary matters.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts.

Equipment & Preventive Maintenance

• Ensure compliance with operator preventive maintenance (PM) requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance to address equipment concerns and improve machine reliability.
• Monitor machine performance and identify opportunities to reduce downtime.
• Hold operators accountable for completing required PM and equipment care activities.

Communication

• Provide clear and effective shift-to-shift communication.
• Communicate production status, quality concerns, staffing issues, and improvement opportunities to Operations leadership.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Tooling, and other departments to resolve issues and support operational goals.
• Prepare and present performance updates, corrective actions, and operational improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Required

• Minimum 7 years of manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience as a Department Lead, Production Team Lead, Shift Supervisor, or similar role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and quality standards.
• Experience managing employee performance and driving accountability.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with production reporting, Microsoft Office, and manufacturing data.

Preferred

• Previous machine operator, setup technician, or manufacturing technician experience.
• Experience with SPC, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance systems and equipment reliability practices.
• Experience in high-volume machining or metal manufacturing environments.