Production Leader & Throughput Optimizer

GEM MANUFACTURING, LLC; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GEM Manufacturing, LLC is seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on safety, quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement across material flow, scheduling, and shop-floor performance.

The ideal candidate balances hands-on leadership with strategic execution, coordinating with Quality, Post-Production, and Production Control to optimize labor, equipment, and processes.

Qualifications

• Required education: Bachelor's Degree preferred (Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field).
• Minimum 5 years in manufacturing operations leadership, preferably in metal stamping, deep draw, or high-volume environments.
• Proficient with Excel, ERP/MRP, work order management, production scheduling, labor reporting and shop floor metrics.
• Assertive leadership style with accountability and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day production operations on the shop floor.
• Oversee production scheduling, work order release, sequencing, and prioritization to meet delivery commitments.
• Coordinate material flow from raw materials to shipping and manage throughput and bottlenecks.
• Drive operational excellence through 5S, continuous improvement, and root-cause corrective actions.
• Escalate risks and align with plant leadership on safety, quality, and delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-Making

Analytical Thinking

Process Discipline

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Education

Bachelor's Degree preferred

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/MRP systems

Work order management

Production scheduling

Labor reporting

Shop floor metrics

Job description

GEM Manufacturing, LLC is seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a fast-paced environment. The role focuses on safety, quality, on-time delivery, and continuous improvement across material flow, scheduling, and shop-floor performance.

The ideal candidate balances hands-on leadership with strategic execution, coordinating with Quality, Post-Production, and Production Control to optimize labor, equipment, and processes.