Manufacturing/Production Manager II

Gpac; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GPAC leads a manufacturing operations initiative in Iowa City to deliver safety, quality, cost, and associate development across value streams. The role centers on Lean principles and continuous improvement to optimize performance and customer outcomes.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of supervisory experience and a proven ability to translate engineering and quality requirements into executable solutions, while coaching leaders and fostering a collaborative, high-energy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-10 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing, safety, quality, and world-class manufacturing principles.
• Proven leadership capability in a manufacturing or operations environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive continuous improvement across assigned value stream(s).
• Deliver overall business results and align with strategic direction.
• Break down large value streams into manageable segments and delegate improvement initiatives.
• Develop leaders and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Promote hands-on problem solving and Gemba-based practices.
• Mentor developing value stream leaders and supervisors.

Skills

Business & Financial Acumen

Cost accounting and budgeting

Financial justification, ROI, IRR, and

Communication

Strong verbal and writtenCommunication

Presentation and persuasion skills

Leadership

Motivate and engage associates

Bias for action

Courage to make difficult decisions

Collaborative leadership

Coaching and people development

Respectful, inclusive, and safe work

Conflict resolution

Lead change and continuous improvement

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Knowledge

Understand manufacturing processes

Translate engineering/quality to exe

Commitment to safety

Facilitate Kaizen events

End-to-end supply chain knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver agreed-upon value stream results in safety, quality, customer service, cost, and associate satisfaction and development
• Define, communicate, and track performance targets across key metrics; hold teams accountable for results
• Develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Lean Manufacturing principles and strategic objectives
• Create an environment that promotes high morale, engagement, and performance
• Manage performance to budget using a participative budgeting approach
• Ensure alignment of activities and resources within the value stream and collaborate cross-functionally as needed
• Secure appropriate people, technology, equipment, and financial resources to meet customer expectations
• Coach, mentor, and develop associates and leaders at multiple levels
• Support new process and product development and implementation efforts
• Participate in supplier discussions related to pricing, quality, delivery, and service impacting the value stream
• Serve as a role model for continuous learning and personal development
• Maintain high visibility within operations and promote hands-on problem solving and Gemba-based practices
• Implement and maintain visual management systems
• Mentor developing value stream leaders and supervisors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5-10 years of supervisory or leadership experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean manufacturing, safety, quality, and world-class manufacturing principles
• Proven leadership capability in a manufacturing or operations environment

Skills and Competencies

• Business & Financial Acumen
• Cost accounting and budgeting
• Financial justification, ROI, IRR, and make/buy analysis
• Communication
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective in one-on-one and group settings
• Presentation and persuasion skills
• Leadership
• Ability to motivate and engage associates
• Bias for action and high energy for the business
• Courage to make difficult decisions and act decisively
• Collaborative leadership style across all organizational levels
• Strong coaching and people development skills
• Ability to foster a respectful, inclusive, and safe work environment
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain Knowledge
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and systems
• Ability to translate engineering and quality requirements into executable solutions
• Demonstrated commitment to safety
• Experience facilitating Kaizen and continuous improvement events
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations

This role is responsible for leading and driving continuous improvement across assigned value stream(s), from procurement through delivery. Delivers overall business results and may oversee multiple or complex value streams. This position breaks down large or complex value streams into manageable segments, delegates improvement initiatives, and ensures alignment with organizational values and strategic direction. The role actively develops leaders and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.