Production Manager

ContiTech; Halstead (KS); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ContiTech in Kansas is seeking a Plant Operations Leader to drive safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement in a high-performance environment. You will oversee department managers and production operators while empowering teams.

You will champion Lean manufacturing using 5S, standard work, TPM, Heijunka, and visual management, collaborate across HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance, and ensure ISO/OSHA compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field.
• 3+ years of operations management in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong leadership and conflict-resolution skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• Travel may be required to other plants; <10% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate plant operations to achieve goals in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
• Drive performance metrics aligned with corporate and regional KPIs.
• Champion Continuous Improvement using 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, Visual Management, and other Lean tools.
• Collaborate with HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure timely execution of objectives.
• Follow up on action items, and drive plant-wide accountability.
• Facilitate implementation of new processes, materials, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Provide clear communication and conflict resolution across shifts while reinforcing a positive culture.
• Coach and develop Value Stream Managers and support teams for optimal performance.
• Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and company standards.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Cross-functional

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company Description

ContiTechis one of the world’s leading material experts for industry applications. The Continentalgroup sectoroffers its customers reliable,safeand convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and abovethe ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about20,000 employees (Status as of March 2026) at more than 60 sites globally, and sales of some 6.0billion euros (2025), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

This role is central to driving operational excellence and cultivating a culture grounded in safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and have direct oversight of department managers and production operators. We're looking for a leader who thrives in a high-performance environment and is passionate about empowering teams and improving processes through Lean manufacturing practices.

• Lead and coordinate plant operations to achieve goals in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

• Drive performance metrics aligned with corporate and regional KPIs.

• Champion Continuous Improvement using tools such as 5S, Standard Work, TPM, Heijunka, Visual Management, and others.

• Collaborate with departments including HR, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure timely execution of objectives.

• Follow up on action items, and drive plant-wide accountability.

• Facilitate implementation of new processes, materials, and cost-reduction initiatives.

• Provide clear communication and conflict resolution across shifts while reinforcing a positive, change-ready culture.

• Coach and develop Value Stream Managers and support teams for optimal performance.

• Ensure compliance with ISO, OSHA, and company standards.

THE ENVIRONMENT

• Safety is our highest priority, and safety procedures / guidelines must always be adhered to.

• The job is within a non-climate-controlled environment where you will be exposed to temperature swings (hot/cold), forklift and pedestrian traffic, and noise.

• The role involves various physical tasks, including lifting and operating machinery, with comprehensive training provided.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business, Quality Management, Lean Specialist, or a related field.

• 3+ years of operations management experience in a manufacturing setting.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and team development.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing tools and philosophies.

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.

• Travel may be required to other plants and corporate meetings. Less than 10% travel.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT

Candidates who demonstrate the following will have a competitive edge:

• Industry Experience: Prior experience in rubber manufacturing or conveyor belt production.

• Time Management: Strong ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication, both verbal and written, along with active listening abilities.

• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work well with others, build relationships, and contribute to a team-oriented culture.

• Adaptability: Comfortable with change and able to adjust quickly to new processes, technologies, or workplace challenges.

• Leadership Qualities: Capable of guiding, inspiring, and motivating others while fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Additional Information

EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [e-mail] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [e-mail] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.