Production Manager

ZF; Gray Court (SC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Plan

Paid Vacation

401k Plan

Health Care Benefits

Paid Holidays

Diversity culture

Community outreach activities

Job summary

ZF in Gray Court, SC, is seeking a Production Manager to oversee production operations, drive continuous improvement, and align local execution with global standards.

You will lead cross-functional teams across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets. Ideal candidates have a technical bachelor's, 8–10+ years in operations, 4+ years in leadership, and deep knowledge of lean and machining processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field required.
• 8–10+ years in advanced operations management in durable manufacturing.
• 6+ years in operations, supply chain, maintenance, or related areas.
• 4+ years in project management or supervisory roles.
• 2+ years of direct people management and training responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, verbal and written communication skills.
• Expertise in manufacturing operations, plant management, and lean methods.
• Deep knowledge of machining, assembly, and heat treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead production personnel and manage targets for safety, quality, delivery, cost.
• Monitor department results against the business plan.
• Plan and implement manufacturing methods using lean techniques.
• Identify issues and drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, purchasing, and suppliers to support capacity.
• Drive improvements to OEE and equipment performance.
• Ensure compliance with IATF-16949 and ISO-14001 and corporate policies.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Operations management

Project management

Supply chain management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

ZF Production System

IATF-16949

ISO-14001

Job description

Production Manager

Country/Region: US

Location:

Gray Court, SC, US

About the Team

Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, the Production Manager is responsible for managing the production operations within the assigned area of manufacturing through high-level process improvements and strategic planning methods surrounding the operational output and processes in order to support and fulfill the objectives of the plant, all while ensuring local adherence to global objectives and corporate standards.

What you can look forward to as a Production Manager:

• Manage and oversee all production personnel and related activities (i.e. ZF Production System management) to ensure the satisfaction of targets related to safety, quality, delivery, quantity, and cost; responsible for managing the production area by establishing targets with the overall aim of optimizing processes as well as minimizing bottlenecks and downtime.
• Monitor and evaluate department operating results in comparison to business plan.
• Plan, select, design, and implement manufacturing methods and processes through continuous improvement and lean manufacturing techniques, monitor and audit processes for compliance and effectiveness.
• Identify internal process issues and work with internal and external teams to develop and implement solutions; ensure corrective actions are documented and implemented for any applicable nonconformance.
• Work with internal groups (e.g. manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, program/launch management, quality, etc.), in addition to outside suppliers/contractors to support business development, capacity, and continuity.
• Identify tools/equipment needs and organizational skill requirements, assess gaps in key skill areas and capacity, implement strategy to close the gaps and strengthen the organization and overall equipment efficiency (OEE); review performance of personnel and provide tools for direct reports to achieve goals and receive plant support (in terms of personnel, equipment, training, deviations signoff, etc.).
• Confer with senior management in addition to engineering and quality leadership personnel to lead the resolution of manufacturing problems; recommend measures to improve OEE and performance of machines/equipment (i.e. replacements, upgrades, software enhancements, etc.).
• Lead continuous improvement programs and provide support to team efforts to increase OEE.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all IATF-16949 and ISO-14001 requirements, ZF corporate policies, and divisional directives; initiate and support the development of new procedures if necessary.

Your Profile as Production Manager:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field
• 8-10+ years of advanced experience in operations management within the durable manufacturing industry
• 6+ years of experience encompassing most the following areas: operations management, supply chain management, maintenance, manufacturing/industrial engineering, and/or business planning
• 4+ years of project management and/or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• 2+ years of managing/directing others in addition to delegating/tracking independent work assignments and training programs
• Proven leader with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Expert in manufacturing operations, plant management, and lean methodologies.
• Deep operational knowledge of machining, assembly, and heat treatment processes.

What We Offer:

• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Annual Incentive Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Personal Time
• 401k Plan
• Health Care Benefits
• Paid Holidays
• A strong diversity culture
• Supportive Employee Groups and community outreach activities

Additional Information

ZF does not offer visa sponsorship for this role (e.g., H-1B, TN), and candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship by ZF now or in the future. This role also does not include any immigration-related support, including—and not limited to—being listed on government forms, providing documentation for work authorization, coordinating with universities, or participating in training plans or other procedures related to visa status (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1, O-1, L-1, E-3, and any other status requiring employer sponsorship or immigration-related support). IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FORM OF VISA SPONSORSHIP OR ANY IMMIGRATION SUPPORT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY.

Contact

Gabriela Palacio

[e-mail]

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are more than just words for us. They are at the core of the ZF Way that propels our team members towards their utmost success. We strive to build and nurture a culture where inclusiveness is a natural reflex. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that every member of ZF can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape next generation mobility, safety, sustainability and social justice.

With four generations across 118 nationalities in 41 countries, ZF combines a unique variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas. Together, we solve problems, drive innovation and shape next generation mobility.

Our company is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with us and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please contact us. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. ZF is an Equal Opportunity and Affi…

What does DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) mean for ZF as a company?

At ZF, we continuously strive to build and maintain a culture where inclusiveness is lived and diversity is valued. We actively seek ways to remove barriers so that all our employees can rise to their full potential. We aim to embed this vision in our legacy through how we operate and build our products as we shape the future of mobility.

Find out how we work at ZF: