Production Manager

Bradley Professional, A Division of the Bradley Group; Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton (NC, NC, NC, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradley Professional is seeking a Production Manager for a client site in Hickory, NC. The role leads all manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives, owning production KPIs and driving performance across People, Processes, and Machines.

You will supervise and develop a high-performing production team, support planning and scheduling, and implement root cause analyses to sustain continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in manufacturing or production supervision or management.
• Experience with KPI-driven operations and process improvement is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own all KPIs in the production department and analyze performance by line, shift, and operator.
• Manage staffing, employee development, coaching and succession planning for Process Leads and Assistant Production Managers.
• Support production planning, scheduling, and issuance of accurate work orders and daily production communication notes.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions in collaboration with cross‑functional teams.
• Oversee safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

People mgmt

KPI tracking

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing processes

ERP/MRP

MS Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP/MRP

Job description

Bradley Professional is currently seeking a Production Manager for their client located in Hickory, NC.

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently achieved. This role drives performance through ownership of all production KPIs, analyzing results by line, shift, and individual performance to identify opportunities across People, Processes, and Machines.

The position oversees workforce development, staffing, and training to ensure a fully qualified and high-performing production team. It includes coaching, performance management, and succession development, particularly developing Process Leads and Assistant Production Managers into leadership roles.

Additionally, the position supports production planning and scheduling, ensures work order accuracy, maintains strong floor presence, and drives continuous improvement through root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Overall, the role is accountable for operational performance, team development, and execution excellence.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all KPI’s in production department, analyzing KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement in the area of People, Processes, and Machines. Analyzing by Line, by Shift, and by individual performance. Create Key Focus assignments, coaching sessions or meetings as needed for Process Leads. (23%)
• Manage all employee development efforts in the Production dept. Ensure staffing levels are maintained with adequately trained and qualified employees. Handle all personnel requirements-needs from production department (5%)
• Participate in root cause analysis of all CARs including both customers driven and internal. Coordinate with other departments to implement all action items (improvements) necessary to meet requirements. (5%)
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to meet all requirements including maintenance, sales, quality, and logistics, while effectively communicating needs from production department as well respond effectively to the needs of other depts. (5%)
• Work in coordination with purchasing and materials management to ensure the necessary nonconsumable items and tools (supplies) for production department including needles, blades, etc., are available. (1%)
• Participate in production planning and scheduling as well as provide feedback to optimize scheduling to positively impact productivity, considering availability of raw materials. Ensure that the WO packets are prepared, accurate, complete and available to the production team. Issue daily communication notes to the production team (20%)
• Manage time spent on the floor to be effective and focused. (20%)
• Have coaching or disciplinary sessions with individuals / also coordinate with HR if there is a need. (1% or as needed)
• Plan, coordinate and monitor all activities under the APM’s responsibility including training and development of Process leads and Machine Operators to maximize operational effectiveness. Oversee development of APM into a management role. (20%)

Qualifications / Requirements:

Experience: 3-5+ years in a manufacturing or production environment, including experience supervising or managing teams. Experience with KPI-driven operations and process improvement is preferred.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop employees and supervisors. Strong decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

Operational Knowledge: Understanding of production planning, scheduling, and manufacturing processes. Familiarity with root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Technical Skills: Ability to analyze performance metrics and make data-driven decisions. Proficiency with production management systems, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and ERP/MRP systems.

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to collaborate across multiple departments effectively.

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify operational gaps and implement effective solutions.

Work Ethic: Ability to maintain floor presence, manage multiple priorities, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Other Requirements: Flexibility to work varied shifts if required and commitment to safety and quality standards.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred but not required. Candidates with significant manufacturing leadership experience and demonstrated operational success will be strongly considered in lieu of formal education.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for extended periods of time (up to 20% of the workday).

Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Frequent use of stairs and movement between production lines.

Ability to bend, reach, twist, kneel, and stoop as needed to observe operations and support troubleshooting.

Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving machinery, varying temperatures, and industrial conditions.

Ability to use a computer and other office equipment for extended periods when performing administrative tasks.

Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety shoes.