Manufacturing Manager

Chief of Staff KC; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chief of Staff KC is looking for a Manufacturing Manager to lead and optimize production operations in Kansas City. This is an important leadership role where you will guide a team of six supervisors and 40 production employees while driving operational excellence and supporting the company's growth.

The ideal candidate will combine manufacturing expertise with a strategic mindset, and be committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This position promises a chance to make impactful decisions in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading manufacturing operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with manufacturing equipment.
• Experience analyzing production metrics and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for manufacturing operations.
• Lead supervisors and development of production employees.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for efficiency.

Skills

Leadership skills

Mechanical aptitude

CNC machining experience

Analytical skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Tools

CNC machines

Panel saws

Edgebanding equipment

Job description

A well-established, family-owned specialty manufacturer is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead and optimize their growing production operation.

With over 27 years of success, this company has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, precision-manufactured products while maintaining a strong culture of employee retention, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This is a key leadership position for an experienced manufacturing professional who can combine hands-on operational expertise with strategic leadership. The Manufacturing Manager will oversee a team of six supervisors and approximately 40 production employees while partnering with senior leadership to drive operational excellence, improve processes, and support continued growth.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an organization where leadership decisions directly influence the success of the business.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

This organization is a privately held manufacturer specializing in precision panels and component parts serving customers across nine industries.

With advanced materials, specialized processes, and modern manufacturing equipment, the company delivers high-quality solutions built around consistency, craftsmanship, and customer commitment.

What makes this opportunity unique:

• Long-term employee retention with multiple team members celebrating 20+ years of service
• A strong culture focused on employee development, engagement, and continuous learning
• A collaborative leadership environment where operations has a true voice in business decisions
• A company size that allows leaders to make an immediate impact and see the results of their work

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide leadership and direction for all manufacturing operations, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and customer commitments are met
• Lead, coach, and develop six supervisors while supporting approximately 40 production employees
• Establish accountability and consistency through effective processes, communication, and leadership practices
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, safety, and cost management
• Evaluate production performance, labor utilization, material usage, and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement
• Partner with maintenance and production teams to maximize equipment reliability and uptime
• Monitor production schedules and proactively address potential delays or constraints
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning initiatives
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and OSHA requirements
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing operational insight and recommendations

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of manufacturing expertise, leadership capability, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Proven experience leading manufacturing operations with responsibility for supervisors and production teams
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands‑on understanding of manufacturing equipment and processes
• Experience with CNC machining, panel saws, edgebanding, or similar equipment preferred
• Ability to balance strategic planning with day‑to‑day operational execution
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop teams and drive accountability
• Experience analyzing production metrics, costs, budgets, and operational performance
• Background in woodworking, cabinetry, millwork, composites, panels, or similar manufacturing environments preferred

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• The facility is a traditional manufacturing environment and is not climate‑controlled.
• The operation currently runs on one shift, with plans to add a second shift in the coming months.
• This is a high‑impact hire, and the company is committed to finding the right long‑term leader.