Production Manager

RK Industries, LLC; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 115,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

RK Industries, LLC, a family-owned company in Aurora, CO, seeks a Production Manager to lead hands-on production operations for assigned projects. You will drive lean manufacturing, safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency to exceed customer and business expectations.

The role requires a strong track record in manufacturing leadership, 10+ years in production management, and the ability to develop high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree 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 beneficial.
• Proven leadership competencies with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall management for an assigned project, achieving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost targets.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing tools to achieve measurable improvements on projects.
• Develop and execute production schedules and resource plans aligned with bid hours.
• Lead, mentor, and grow production teams to build a high performing workforce.
• Monitor key KPIs (safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost) and report on them.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Aurora, CO

$115,000-$145,000 + Annual Incentive Program Bonus Eligibility

RK Company Overview

As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers’ greatest concepts into reality.

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, and engaged workforce.
• Monitor and report on key operational KPIs (e.g., 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.

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.
• Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
• Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well‑being: Benefits & Rewards
• Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
• Development: Through RK University, we provide hands‑on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.