Production Manager

RK Industries; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RK Industries is looking for a Production Manager in Aurora, Colorado, to oversee production operations and manage project performance. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of manufacturing management experience, with strong leadership and Lean Manufacturing skills. Responsibilities include managing metrics for safety, quality, and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop high-performing teams within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing management operations experience, with 5+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proven leadership competencies with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Results-oriented, strategic, and tactical with excellent execution capability.

Responsibilities

• Manage project performance metrics for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Drive application of Lean Manufacturing tools for improvements.
• Build and lead high-performing teams.

Skills

Manufacturing management operations

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Time management

Microsoft suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration

Job description

Position Summary

The production Manager provides hands‑on management, development, and oversight of all production operations related to an assigned project. This role is responsible for transitioning customer projects into a high‑performing Lean Manufacturing environment while ensuring safety, quality, on time delivery, and production efficiency that consistently exceeds customer and business expectations.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide overall management for an assigned project, including achieving performance metrics for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Drive the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and concepts to achieve measurable and sustainable improvements to an assigned project.
• Develop and execute project strategy, production schedules, and resource plans aligned with production bid hours.
• Lead, mentor, and grow production team members to build a high performing, engaged workforce.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs (safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost).
• Oversee assigned manufacturing personnel, ensuring alignment, engagement, development, and retention of talent.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence consistent with RK Mission Critical values.
• Identify opportunities for process efficiency and waste reduction.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Project Management, and other departments to drive alignment and seamless execution of projects.
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with internal teams, customers, suppliers, and vendors, turning them into long‑term partners and advocates.
• Accountable for all aspects of an assigned project, including processes, procedures, equipment, and execution strategies.
• Coordinate with the Plant Manager to provide strategic and tactical input on manufacturing support and execution.
• Participate in project production hour estimating, designed for manufacturability reviews, and risk assessments for project pursuits.
• Develop and implement manufacturing processes, including hazard analysis, safety procedures, and team member skill assessments.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered.
• 10+ years of manufacturing management operations experience, with 5+ years in a supervisory role.
• Minimum 2 years of Lean Manufacturing experience is beneficial.
• Proven leadership competencies with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build and lead high‑performing teams with a focus on collaboration and accountability.
• Excellent time management skills; operates with a sense of urgency.
• Lean Manufacturing knowledge.
• Results‑oriented, strategic, and tactical with excellent execution capability.
• Hands‑on, decisive operational leadership style.
• Managing production morale and key operational metrics.
• Passionate for developing team members and driving process excellence.
• Microsoft suite skills.

Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability

• Minimal travel is required.
• Requires frequent sitting, standing, and walking within the plant.
• Noise levels can fluctuate from quiet to loud.
• Exposure to typical manufacturing hazards.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• All employees are accountable for safety and health and are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition is present. Employees should immediately notify their supervisor so that the hazard may be corrected.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.