Hands-on Manufacturing Operations Leader

SSI Technologies; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SSI Technologies, LLC is seeking a Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations in Janesville, WI. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and productivity while coaching production supervisors and fostering a culture of continuous improvement on the factory floor.

Responsibilities include leading Gemba-focused problem solving, 5S and visual management, and cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to meet customer requirements and quality targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading production supervisors and hourly manufacturing employees.
• Demonstrated success improving quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• IATF 16949 experience. Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent, preferred.
• Knowledge of OEE, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving methodologies, preferred.
• Five (5)+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a strong and consistent presence on the manufacturing floor, supporting production operations, coaching supervisors, and resolving operational issues.
• Lead daily production activities to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Conduct routine Gemba walks to identify operational issues and drive accountability.
• Ensure effective communication of production priorities, staffing requirements, and expectations across shifts.
• Lead, develop, coach, and evaluate Production Supervisors and frontline leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Address performance concerns promptly and consistently while recognizing strong performance.
• Champion a quality-first culture and drive reduction of scrap, rework, and customer complaints.
• Own and sustain 5S standards and drive visual management throughout manufacturing areas.
• Monitor and improve KPIs (Safety, OEE, Labour, Scrap, Throughput) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

Skills

Manufacturing Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Root Cause Analysis

Team Coaching

Cross Functional Collaboration

Quality Management

OEE

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience

Tools

Quality Management System (QMS)

Job description

SSI Technologies, LLC is seeking a Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations in Janesville, WI. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and productivity while coaching production supervisors and fostering a culture of continuous improvement on the factory floor.

Responsibilities include leading Gemba-focused problem solving, 5S and visual management, and cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to meet customer requirements and quality targets.