Production Manager

Production Manager

We’ve been retained to conduct a search for our client, a privately held manufacturer producing fabricated products for industrial and commercial applications.

This organization operates in the manufacturing and fabrication space and is known for quality craftsmanship, operational reliability, and a strong commitment to building things the right way. The business is in an active growth phase with increasing demand and planned operational expansion, and is investing intentionally in leadership to support its next chapter. This role will play a critical part in driving results, building alignment, and creating momentum as the operation scales.

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys ownership, influence, and the ability to make meaningful change. The person in this role will have direct visibility into the operation, the authority to shape day-to-day execution, and the chance to leave a real mark on how the business performs and grows.

The environment is hands-on, fast-moving, and collaborative. The right leader brings sound judgment, clarity, and the ability to balance structure with execution. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in accountability-driven cultures and enjoys building strong teams while delivering measurable results.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will serve as a key operational leader responsible for translating business objectives into consistent execution across production operations. You will work closely with ownership and cross-functional partners to drive performance, improve processes, and ensure the organization is positioned for sustainable success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead daily production operations across fabrication, welding, and assembly, ensuring priorities, pace, and execution align with business goals
• Drive operational performance through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and hands-on problem-solving on the shop floor
• Build, develop, and lead high-performing production teams with clear expectations, accountability, and follow-through
• Reinforce standards related to attendance, performance, quality, and safety
• Own production scheduling and workflow planning, adjusting as needed based on demand, capacity, and constraints
• Identify risks, gaps, and bottlenecks and take proactive action to address them
• Partner closely with ownership to communicate performance, surface issues, and support growth initiatives
• Contribute to future-state planning tied to facility growth, layout considerations, and workflow design

Required Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings leadership maturity, hands-on manufacturing experience, and strong execution instincts. They are comfortable operating in dynamic, shop-floor environments and have a track record of driving results through people, structure, and process discipline.

Qualifications include:

• Proven experience in a production or operations leadership role within a fabrication or manufacturing environment
• Strong people leadership skills including coaching, performance management, and team development
• Hands-on experience leading blue-collar production teams with a visible, floor-driven leadership style
• Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and workflow in a fast-paced or high-mix environment
• Practical understanding of quality standards, safety practices, and continuous improvement
• Ability to interpret operational data, manage KPIs, and make informed decisions
• Experience working with ERP or production reporting systems is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation includes a competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus opportunity and a comprehensive benefits package. Details will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.

Location

This opportunity is based in the Midwest region and is an on-site role.

The area offers a strong quality of life with a manageable cost of living, short commutes, and easy access to everyday amenities. You’ll find a strong sense of community along with dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Regional travel access is convenient, making it easy to stay connected both professionally and personally.

Apply

If you believe you are the right fit for this leadership role and are excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, we’d welcome the chance to connect. Please apply confidentially, and if there is a strong fit, someone from our team will follow up with next steps.