Production Manager

Workspire; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Workspire is partnering with a manufacturing organization to place a Production Manager in the Columbus, Ohio area to lead day-to-day production operations on the shop floor. You will provide hands-on leadership, set clear expectations, and develop frontline supervisors while driving accountability in safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

The role emphasizes balancing stability with meaningful process improvements, building a culture of accountability, and delivering measurable

Qualifications

• Frontline supervision experience in manufacturing.
• Ability to coach and develop frontline supervisors and team leads.
• Hands-on experience with shop-floor visual management systems (hour-by-hour boards, 5S, standard work).
• Track record of managing KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities and rhythm, coordinate floor priorities, ensure efficient execution.
• Provide hands-on leadership, set clear performance expectations, address difficult conversations with accountability.
• Coach frontline supervisors and team leads with clear expectations and regular feedback.
• Promote safe working practices and address workplace hazards.
• Own and monitor KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and productivity and drive corrective actions.
• Implement shop-floor visual management practices and improve material flow.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement practical solutions to improve efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive sustainable changes.
• Establish and reinforce standard work and encourage process improvements.
• Communicate priorities, staffing considerations, and operational challenges to stakeholders.

Skills

Frontline supervision

Manufacturing operations

KPI management

Continuous improvement mindset

Visual management

Communication and leadership

Job description

About the Role

We are partnering with a manufacturing organization seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day production operations in the Columbus, Ohio area.

This role will focus on providing consistent, hands-on leadership on the production floor, establishing clear expectations, developing frontline supervisors and employees, and driving accountability across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate brings a strong manufacturing background, proven frontline people-management experience, and a continuous improvement mindset. This individual will balance operational stability with a willingness to challenge existing processes, implement meaningful improvements, and build a culture of accountability and ongoing development.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily production activities, manage the day-to-day production rhythm, coordinate floor priorities, and support efficient execution of manufacturing work.
• Provide hands-on leadership to production employees, establish clear performance expectations, and address difficult conversations and performance concerns with consistency, respect, and accountability.
• Coach and develop frontline supervisors and team leads through clear expectations, regular feedback, and consistent follow-through.
• Reinforce safe working practices and partner with the team to identify and address workplace hazards.
• Own and monitor key production KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and productivity, using performance data to identify gaps and drive corrective action.
• Implement and maintain shop-floor visual management practices, including hour-by-hour production boards, 5S, standard work, and improved material flow.
• Track productivity and workflow challenges, identify bottlenecks, and implement practical solutions that improve efficiency and operational consistency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, challenge inefficient processes, and drive sustainable changes that strengthen production performance.
• Establish and reinforce standard work while encouraging employees to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Communicate production priorities, staffing considerations, performance metrics, and operational challenges to relevant stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong background in manufacturing operations with proven experience directly managing frontline production employees.
• Demonstrated ability to set expectations, coach and develop supervisors and team leads, navigate difficult conversations, and maintain accountability.
• Hands-on experience implementing or managing shop-floor visual management systems, including hour-by-hour boards, 5S, standard work, and material flow improvements.
• Experience managing daily production operations and taking ownership of KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing safety practices, quality standards, and productivity management.
• A demonstrated track record of identifying operational inefficiencies, planning improvements, and implementing changes that deliver measurable, sustainable results.
• A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to balance established processes and operational discipline with adaptability and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Strong communication, sound judgment, and the ability to provide steady, respectful leadership through organizational and operational change.
• Experience in metal fabrication, welding, or a similar production environment is strongly preferred.

Why This Role Stands Out

An opportunity to have a direct impact on daily production performance, team accountability, and continuous improvement while bringing stability and consistency to a manufacturing operation.

A hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and building a strong production-floor culture while driving meaningful, lasting operational improvements.

At Workspire, we partner exclusively with organizations that value experienced leadership, operational discipline, and long term investment in talent. Every opportunity we represent is vetted for impact, advancement potential, and cultural alignment because where and how you work matters.

EEO Statement

Workspire and our client partners are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.