Production Manager

Insight Global; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks an Operations Department Head to lead a manufacturing operations group, driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. You will guide production teams with coaching and development, and align resources to plant priorities.

The role emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement to optimize performance and capabilities across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technical discipline is required.
• Minimum 5 years in manufacturing or operations.
• 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead department operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost and productivity targets.
• Foster a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety and company standards.
• Provide leadership and direction to production teams, including coaching and development.
• Plan and allocate labor, equipment and materials to meet demand and priorities.
• Monitor equipment and process performance, including uptime and OEE.
• Resolve operational issues using data-driven problem solving with cross-functional teams.
• Support new product introduction and start-up activities for manufacturing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource utilization to hit targets.
• Communicate performance, priorities and risks to plant leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure workforce readiness and capability development for current/future needs.

Skills

Leadership

Safety-first

Data-driven

People management

Continuous improvement

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/technical field

Job description

Job Description

The Operations Department Head leads a manufacturing operations department to achieve performance objectives in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity. This role provides both strategic and day-to-day leadership to production teams, ensuring operational excellence, workforce capability, and alignment with plant and business priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead department operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets
• Foster and maintain a safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and company standards
• Provide leadership and direction to production teams and supervisors, including coaching, performance management, and development
• Plan and allocate labor, equipment, and materials to meet production demand and operational priorities
• Monitor and improve equipment and process performance, including uptime, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness
• Lead resolution of operational issues through data-driven problem solving and cross-functional collaboration
• Support new product introduction, equipment installation, and start-up activities to ensure successful transition into manufacturing
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, and cost reduction
• Manage departmental budgets, spending, and resource utilization to meet financial and operational targets
• Communicate operational performance, priorities, and risks to plant leadership and key stakeholders
• Ensure workforce readiness, staffing alignment, and capability development to meet current and future business needs

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering or technical discipline preferred
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing or operations experience
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

Required Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership in manufacturing operations with a strong focus on safety and performance
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams while delivering results
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills using data and operational metrics
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills
• Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
• Experience supporting new product introduction, equipment start-up, or process transfers into manufacturing
• Exposure to multiple equipment platforms or manufacturing processes