1st Shift Production Manager

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is seeking a Production Manager – Thermoforming to lead all thermoforming operations on 1st shift in a US plant. You will drive day-to-day manufacturing, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives across all shifts, coordinating with Quality, Purchasing, and Site Leadership to meet schedules and customer commitments.

The ideal candidate has a four-year degree, hands-on thermoforming experience, and proven leadership of production teams, with strong lean,

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in plastics, engineering, or related field.
• Experience in thermoforming operations and plastic processing.
• Prior direct personnel management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and team-building skills.
• Experience working with Quality Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day manufacturing activities for thermoformed plastic products across all shifts.
• Manage manufacturing and production operations to ensure schedules meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Coordinate production activities with department leads, press operators, material handlers, maintenance, and tooling personnel.
• Monitor production results and identify shortfalls; drive improvements.
• Coordinate materials, packaging, waste management, and maintenance planning with Purchasing and Site Leadership.
• Prioritize and allocate resources to meet production objectives and deadlines.

Skills

Leadership

Team-building

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Lean manufacturing

Quality management

Safety compliance

Communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Plastics Engineering, Production Management, Engineering or related)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Email

Job description

PRODUCTION MANAGER – THERMOFORMING

Salary: $90-115k

1st Shift: M-Fr. 5:30 am to 3:30 pm

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all Thermoforming production operations within the facility. This role leads day-to-day manufacturing activities across all shifts and ensures production schedules, quality standards, customer delivery commitments, safety requirements, and continuous improvement objectives are achieved.

The Production Manager will lead production personnel, monitor operational performance, drive lean manufacturing initiatives, coordinate materials and maintenance requirements, and partner with Quality, Purchasing, and Site Leadership to improve overall plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Oversee all day-to-day manufacturing activities for thermoformed plastic products across all shifts.
• Manage manufacturing and production operations to ensure schedules are met in accordance with customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Coordinate production activities involving department and shift leads, press operators, material handlers, machine maintenance, and tooling personnel.
• Monitor production results and identify potential or actual shortfalls.
• Analyze manufacturing operations, identify areas for improvement, and develop solutions to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Coordinate production materials, including packaging requirements, and manage waste generated from operations.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Site Leadership regarding material requirements and maintenance planning.
• Prioritize and allocate resources effectively to meet production objectives and deadlines.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage production personnel, including selection, training, performance evaluation, and discipline in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Build and lead effective, results-oriented production teams.
• Foster a positive work environment focused on accountability, collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership and direction to employees across all levels of the production operation.
• Plan and prioritize the work activities of others and ensure resources are used efficiently.
• Promote recognition, respect, cooperation, and open communication throughout the organization.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor key production and quality metrics and analyze statistical data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Quality Management to identify, address, and resolve product quality issues.
• Promote and maintain quality management processes throughout production operations.
• Develop recommendations and corrective actions to improve production and quality performance.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Present improvement concepts and recommendations to senior management for approval.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, on-time delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote and maintain adherence to the plant safety program.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment.
• Ensure employees understand and follow applicable health and safety policies, programs, procedures, and regulations.
• Ensure required personal protective equipment and safety devices are properly used.
• Identify and report workplace hazards, safety concerns, equipment defects, and other conditions that may create risk.
• Support company environmental and sustainability initiatives.
• Promote responsible waste management and environmentally conscious production practices.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree, preferably in Plastics Engineering, Production Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in thermoforming operations and plastic processing.
• Prior direct personnel management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and team-building skills.
• Experience working effectively with all levels of an organization.
• Prior experience with Quality Management Systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions regarding manufacturing issues and disruptions.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing operations and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to develop solutions and present recommendations to senior management.
• Proven ability to work independently and efficiently while meeting deadlines and objectives.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and delegate work effectively.
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and PowerPoint.
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Bilingual Spanish skills preferred.