Production Manager – CNC Machining & Precision Manufacturing
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | Exempt
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM
Location: Beverly, MA 01915
Pay: $120,000 to $135,000 a year
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations within a high-precision CNC machining facility. This individual will be responsible for overseeing production personnel, optimizing manufacturing processes, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring production goals are achieved while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, production management, and continuous improvement, along with a proven ability to develop high-performing teams and drive measurable operational improvements.
Working closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Maintenance, the Production Manager will oversee shop floor operations, manage production schedules, improve machine and labor utilization, and implement strategies to increase throughput and reduce manufacturing costs.
This is a highly visible leadership position requiring a hands‑on management approach, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to drive accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the manufacturing organization.
Key Responsibilities
Production Operations & Manufacturing Management
- Lead daily manufacturing operations within a high-precision CNC machining environment, ensuring production objectives for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity are consistently achieved.
- Oversee machinists, machine operators, Team Leads, and production support personnel to maintain efficient and effective shop floor operations.
- Manage production schedules, manufacturing capacity, staffing levels, and resource allocation to meet customer delivery commitments and business objectives.
- Monitor production performance to identify bottlenecks, reduce manufacturing lead times, improve throughput, and maximize equipment utilization.
- Optimize labor utilization, machine capacity, and production workflows to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
- Collaborate with Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to resolve manufacturing challenges, equipment issues, and production constraints.
- Ensure manufacturing processes consistently meet engineering specifications, customer requirements, and established quality standards.
- Evaluate production capacity, workload, and resource constraints and implement corrective actions to maintain production commitments.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs, machine downtime, setup times, scrap, rework, and process inefficiencies.
- Develop and implement standardized work practices, process controls, and visual management systems to improve manufacturing consistency and productivity.
- Drive improvements in manufacturing throughput, machine utilization, labor efficiency, and overall production performance.
- Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to improve process stability, manufacturing repeatability, and product quality.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, operational discipline, and employee engagement.
Production Performance & KPI Management
- Establish, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including:
- Production schedule attainment and on-time delivery
- Manufacturing throughput and productivity
- Labor efficiency and resource utilization
- CNC machine utilization and downtime
- Scrap, rework, and quality performance
- Manufacturing costs and operational efficiency
- Use production data and manufacturing performance metrics to identify trends, address performance gaps, and implement corrective actions.
- Evaluate and communicate the operational and financial impact of productivity improvements, equipment downtime, inefficiencies, and manufacturing costs.
- Support departmental cost reduction initiatives through effective resource planning, process optimization, and improved production efficiency.
- Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management to Team Leads, machinists, machine operators, and production support personnel.
- Develop and motivate production teams to achieve manufacturing objectives, customer requirements, and operational performance targets.
- Manage workforce planning, staffing requirements, employee development, and cross-training initiatives to support production demands.
- Establish and continuously improve on-the-job training programs to strengthen technical capabilities, operational consistency, and employee performance.
- Conduct employee performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Support succession planning and leadership development to build a knowledgeable, skilled, and high-performing manufacturing workforce.
- Foster a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure manufacturing operations comply with company policies, quality management system requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality standards, where applicable.
- Support corrective and preventive action processes, quality investigations, and manufacturing process improvements.
- Promote and enforce workplace safety standards, OSHA regulations, and established environmental, health, and safety procedures.
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering to address manufacturing defects, process deviations, and customer quality concerns.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive experience in CNC machining, precision manufacturing, or a closely related manufacturing environment.
- 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience overseeing production personnel, machining operations, or multiple manufacturing work centers.
- Strong technical understanding of CNC machining processes, precision manufacturing, machine setups, production workflows, and process optimization.
- Demonstrated success managing manufacturing operations and achieving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage teams of machinists, machine operators, Team Leads, and production support personnel.
- Experience improving manufacturing throughput, labor efficiency, machine utilization, and production performance.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
- Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling tools, and manufacturing KPIs to manage daily operations and drive performance improvements.
- Experience with workforce planning, employee training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
- Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality management systems, CAPA, and manufacturing process controls.
- Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and safe manufacturing practices.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing data analysis tools.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to changing production requirements, and make effective operational decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Experience managing production operations within a high-precision, tight-tolerance CNC machining environment.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), and manufacturing process documentation.
- Experience implementing setup reduction strategies, standardized work, visual management, and process improvement initiatives.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations governed by ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality standards.
- Demonstrated success reducing scrap, rework, downtime, and manufacturing costs while improving on-time delivery and productivity.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position provides direct supervision and leadership to Team Leads, machinists, machine operators, and production support personnel. Responsibilities include employee development, workforce planning, performance management, training, and maintaining accountability for production objectives.