Overview
The Production Manager is responsible for the strategic and tactical leadership of all production activities within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that production targets are met efficiently, safely, and with high quality, while aligning with company goals and customer expectations. The Production Manager will oversee planning, forecasting, scheduling, and day-to-day operations, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across all production lines. This role will have direct reports including production supervisors and all production floor employees.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Forecasting
- Develop long-term and short-term production plans based on sales forecasts, inventory levels, and capacity constraints
- Collaborate with Sales, Supply Chain, and Finance to align production output with business demand
- Analyze historical production data and market trends to anticipate future resource needs
- Prepare annual budgets for production operations, including labor, materials, and overhead
Production Scheduling & Coordination
- Create and manage master production schedules to optimize throughput and minimize downtime
- Coordinate with procurement and inventory teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials and components
- Monitor work-in-progress and adjust schedules to accommodate changes in demand, equipment availability, or labor resources
- Implement scheduling software or ERP systems to streamline planning and execution
Operations Oversight
- Oversee day-to-day operations and facility management for a 65,000-square-foot building
- Lead daily production meetings to review KPIs, address issues, and align teams on priorities
- Ensure all production activities comply with safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental policies
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), yield, cycle time, and scrap rates
- Troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions to maintain production flow
Leadership & Team Development
- Supervise production supervisors, team leads, and line operators across multiple shifts
- Set clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations and coaching sessions
- Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Lead workforce planning, including hiring, training, and succession planning
- Conduct staff performance reviews and recruiting with assistance from HR
- Collaborate across a multi-plant operation with the consumer division to ensure alignment of operational goals
Process Improvement & Quality Assurance
- Identify and implement lean manufacturing initiatives to reduce waste and improve efficiency
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance to resolve non-conformances and implement preventive measures
- Standardize work procedures and ensure compliance with ISO or other relevant certifications
- Include Equipment PMP and vendor management
Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate production records and generate reports for senior management
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific standards
- Participate in audits and support documentation for regulatory and customer reviews
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
- 3 to 5 years of experience in production management within a manufacturing environment
- Strong proficiency in production planning, forecasting, and scheduling tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex operations
- Solid understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities