Manufacturing Manager

UGN, Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UGN, Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Manager in Valparaiso, IN to direct all production activities and lead a team of department leaders.

The ideal candidate will oversee plant operations, coordinate cross-functional activities, and drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency. Responsibilities include coordinating production, materials, and maintenance; hiring and mentoring staff; and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., engineering, operations management).
• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment with progressive responsibilities.
• 3+ years of leadership and team-directing experience.
• Experience in automotive supplier context preferred; TPS familiarity a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate production, materials, and maintenance per Plant Manager guidance.
• Supervise and develop team leaders; interview, hire, train, and assess performance.
• Lead plant projects with Maintenance and Process Engineering.
• Coordinate customer visits, complaints, and emergencies with Sales.
• Prepare reporting and participate in monthly operational meetings.
• Identify and resolve personnel, operational, and mechanical issues.
• Ensure optimal production and utilization of resources across departments.
• Address customer or supplier emergencies with appropriate departments.
• Analyze reports to identify nonconformities and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain safety rules and compliance with ISO/TS procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Project management

Communication

People management

Toyota Production System

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Join UGN: A Thriving Team, A Rewarding Career

At UGN, what truly sets us apart as a great place to work is our culture, which we call The UGN Way. The UGN Way is grounded in our commitment to our values of Respect, Trust, and Communication.

We are an agile organization of empowered Team Members working together to create outstanding results. We are proud of the success we achieve by collaborating exceptionally well, caring for one another, and holding ourselves and each other accountable to high standards.

Why Join UGN?

• Be part of a recognized industry leader with a proven track record of success.
• Thrive in a workplace that prioritizes Team Member satisfaction and professional growth.
• Contribute to a culture grounded in values that foster collaboration and innovation.
• Make an impact both professionally and in the community.

At UGN, you’re not just joining a company – you’re joining a team that’s committed to excellence, empowerment, and making every Team Member feel valued. Explore the UGN Way today, and let’s create the future together.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now and discover your place on the UGN team.

Discover the exceptional UGN Valparaiso facility in Indiana! Spanning an impressive 180,000 square feet, this exceptional facility has been a cornerstone of innovation and excellence since opening its doors in 1997. Home to 300 dedicated Team Members, the Valparaiso location embodies UGN’s unwavering commitment to quality and community.

UGN Valparaiso - where innovation, community, and quality thrive!

Manufacturing Manager will direct and coordinate production activities in the manufacturing department for UGN. This position will oversee all production at the plant and will manage a team of leaders in the Production department.

What You Will Do For UGN

• Coordinate production, materials, and maintenance, in accordance with policies, principles, and procedures established by the Plant Manager.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. These responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Coordinate plant projects with Maintenance and Process Engineering.
• Coordinate any customer visits, complaints, or emergencies with the Sales Department.
• Work with the corporate office and complete reporting responsibilities at monthly operational meetings.
• Be involved in and find solutions for personnel, operational, and mechanical problems.
• Coordinate production activities with all plant departments to obtain optimum production and utilization of Human Resources, machines, and equipment.
• Coordinate and follow up with necessary departments regarding any customer or supplier emergencies.
• Review and analyze production, quality, or maintenance reports to determine causes of nonconformity with product specifications.
• Review production and operating reports to resolve operational, manufacturing, maintenance, and materials problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays.
• Investigate internal and external quality issues and prepare proposed corrective action reports.
• Review and report customer quality ratings and propose needed corrective action.
• Manage quality planning in accordance with processes and tooling.
• Administer safety rules and regulations as required.
• Assist in developing ISO 14001 and TS16949 based procedures and instructions.
• Assumes responsibilities for plant operations in the absence of the Plant Manager.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring To UGN

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years related experience and/or training in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience in leading and directing teams to achieve outcomes.
• Previous Operations Management experience within the automotive industry preferred.
• Tier 1 or 2 Japanese automotive customer experience preferred.
• Extensive project management experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication and leadership skills required.
• Lean manufacturing experience and knowledge of Toyota Production Systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications—Excel, Word; Microsoft Office Outlook and Oracle ERP.

We strive to ensure each Team Member feels valued, respected, and included, and is presented with equal opportunities to be successful here at UGN. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity workplace. UGN participates in E‑Verify. For more information, go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.