Product Line Manager

JW Industrial Partners; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

JW Industrial Partners is seeking a Product Line Manager for our Northwest Iowa operation to lead two production lines, from fabrication through finished product, and to develop people on the production floor.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you'll oversee about 8 direct and 70 indirect reports, drive safety, quality and continuous improvement, and partner across teams to keep the lines running smoothly.

Qualifications

• Experience leading through supervisors and team leaders.
• Strong understanding of production flow, scheduling, safety, quality, productivity and cost control.
• Ability to coach employees, develop leaders and hold teams accountable.
• Visible, approachable leadership style with a focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop people across two production lines.
• Manage end-to-end operations: staffing, scheduling, workflow, productivity and cost.
• Strengthen employee training for long-term success.
• Drive safety and quality across departments.
• Improve manufacturing performance by resolving bottlenecks and leading CI efforts.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Production scheduling

Coaching & development

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Our client, a growing manufacturer in the automotive industry, is seeking a Product Line Manager to lead two production lines and drive performance from fabrication through finished product. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys developing people, improving manufacturing operations, and maintaining a strong presence on the production floor. We are located in northwest Iowa, so the right person must be open to live in northwest Iowa.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, this leader will oversee approximately 8 direct reports and 70 indirect reports, working through production supervisors and team leaders to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality production.

About the Role

You will oversee two distinct production lines: a training line, where new employees build their skills before moving into permanent production assignments, and a standard product line producing standardized service truck configurations.

Your responsibility spans the full manufacturing process including fabrication, welding, paint, installation, and final production rather than a single department or function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop people: Coach supervisors and team leaders, establish clear expectations, and build accountability across both production lines.
• Manage end-to-end operations: Oversee staffing, production scheduling, workflow, productivity, and cost while keeping products moving efficiently from start to finish.
• Strengthen employee training: Ensure new production employees receive effective hands-on instruction and develop the skills needed for long-term success.
• Drive safety and quality: Reinforce standards, address issues promptly, and work across departments to support consistent execution.
• Improve manufacturing performance: Stay engaged on the production floor, resolve operational challenges, identify bottlenecks, and lead continuous improvement efforts.

What We're Looking For

• Manufacturing leadership experience with the ability to lead through supervisors and team leaders.
• A strong understanding of production flow, scheduling, safety, quality, productivity, and cost control.
• A proven ability to coach employees, develop leaders, solve problems, and hold teams accountable.
• A visible, approachable leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A four-year degree combined with manufacturing experience is preferred, but formal education could be forgone in lieu of equivalent job-related experience.

Why This Opportunity?

This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on both people development and manufacturing performance within a growing organization. The opening follows an internal career move, and the company is continuing to expand its workforce while strengthening its processes and leadership structure.