Production Manager

Hawkins HR Consulting, LLC; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Career growth

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Hawkins HR Consulting, LLC is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The role requires hands-on leadership, an automotive background, and the ability to manage a unionized workforce of about 300 employees.

You will drive continuous improvement with Lean, Six Sigma, and cross-functional collaboration with HR, quality, and supply chain to hit performance goals while ensuring safety and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in business, operations, engineering or related field.
• Automotive industry experience is required.
• 8–10 years progressive experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Experience leading medium to large teams, preferably in unionized environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a unionized workforce of ~300 employees.
• Oversee daily operations for efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar.
• Collaborate with leadership, HR, quality, and supply chain to meet goals.
• Monitor KPIs and implement cost-reducing strategies.
• Manage budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Union experience

Lean Six Sigma

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and driven Production Manager to lead and optimize day-to-day operations within a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with a strong background in managing medium to large teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Automotive industry experience is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a unionized workforce of approximately 300 employees, ensuring high levels of engagement, productivity, and performance
• Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety standards are consistently met
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies
• Partner cross-functionally with leadership, HR, quality, and supply chain teams to achieve operational goals
• Monitor KPIs and implement strategies to improve operational performance and reduce costs
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and industry standards
• Coach and mentor managers, supervisors and team members to build a strong leadership pipeline
• Manage budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred)
• Automotive industry experience required
• 8-10 years progressive experience in automotive manufacturing
• Proven experience leading medium to large teams in a manufacturing or operations environment
• Strong preference for management experience in a unionized manufacturing environment
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated success in process improvement and operational excellence
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-driven environment

What We Offer

• Competitive salary range of $140,000 - $160,000 plus up to 25% bonus potential
• Relocation assistance available
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A collaborative and high-performance work environment