Production Manager

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for driving safety, quality, people development, cleanliness, and on-time delivery across all production areas. This role owns the production processes, leading teams to achieve performance goals while ensuring alignment with company standards and objectives. The Production Manager collaborates closely with Human Resources, Environmental Health & Safety, Quality, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehousing to meet key performance indicators (KPIs). In addition, this position supports the Director of Operations in budgeting, goal setting, cost reduction, and strategic planning initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties represent core expectations and may be adjusted or expanded as needed.

People & Safety

• Champion a culture of safety through positive reinforcement, active engagement, and continuous improvement.

• Lead safety initiatives, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.

• Build an inclusive culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and part of the improvement process.

• Ensure consistent training programs and documentation across all production operations.

• Develop and maintain accurate job descriptions for production personnel.

• Manage and develop employees in compliance with company policies and applicable laws, including recruiting, training, performance management, and corrective action.

Production Operations

• Apply Leader Standard Work to ensure processes operate as designed and performance standards are met.

• Establish and maintain visual management systems for effective communication and process monitoring.

• Lead daily cross-functional accountability meetings to review performance, address issues, and align priorities.

• Coach and mentor teams to drive ownership, engagement, and continuous improvement.

• Maintain a clean, organized facility using 5S principles.

• Review production schedules, assign staffing, and allocate resources to meet delivery commitments.

• Anticipate production challenges, develop contingency plans, and communicate proactively.

• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts to prevent issue recurrence.

• Ensure process documentation is current, accurate, and adhered to.

• Conduct capacity planning and production schedule reviews to determine staffing, equipment, and tooling needs.

• Assist in developing and managing the annual production budget.

• Support long-term planning, new process design, and company growth initiatives.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout production operations.

• Plan, lead, and track annual cost reduction and efficiency improvement projects.

• Participate in Lean manufacturing initiatives to eliminate waste and optimize productivity.

• Lead and facilitate Lean events that support sustained improvement and performance excellence.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree and at least five (5) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Project management experience preferred.

• Proven ability to apply Lean manufacturing principles and systems.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Deep understanding of safety and quality standards in manufacturing environments.

• Strategic thinker with solid business and financial acumen impacting P&L performance.

• Customer-focused, with an understanding of how production supports internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to coach teams, foster accountability, and drive engagement.

• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing business needs.

• Committed to professional growth and continuous learning.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record and insurance coverage.