Production Manager

Kaiser Aluminum; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Aluminum seeks a Cast House Manager in Kalamazoo, MI to lead all casting operations, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and apply Kaiser Production System (KPS) principles for continuous improvement. The role requires strong leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration to meet delivery targets while ensuring environmental and safety compliance.

The position is onsite with potential travel.

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it—innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for a Cast House Manager to join the Kaiser Aluminum team in Kalamazoo Michigan!

The Cast House Manager reports to the Operations Manager and provides leadership and direction for all casting operations to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective production. This role is accountable for achieving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, employee development, and continuous improvement objectives while building a culture of operational excellence through Kaiser Production System (KPS) principles.

This is an onsite position. At this time, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role, either now or in the future. Therefore, we cannot move forward with candidates who would require sponsorship and or are on (e.g., H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT) visas.

What you will be leading and supporting:

• Maintain and promote a safe work environment by enforcing all EHS requirements, safe work practices, and 5S standards.
• Lead the Cast House team to achieve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Ensure products consistently meet customer and internal quality requirements through process control, standard work, and prevention of Quality Vital Few defects.
• Drive efficient operation of the casting process and effective utilization of raw materials to achieve throughput, yield, and scrap performance targets.
• Develop technicians and leaders through training, coaching, and accountability.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve department procedures, operating standards, and work processes.
• Lead root cause problem solving and implement sustainable corrective actions using KPS principles and tools.
• Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to improve reliability, eliminate waste, and drive continuous improvement.
• Safety and environmental targets are met.
• Internal and customer quality targets are achieved.
• Casting throughput and productivity goals are met.
• Scrap, yield, and raw material utilization targets are achieved.
• Employee engagement, retention, and development objectives are met.
• Participation and execution of continuous improvement initiatives and projects.
• Successful completion of all required safety, quality and environmental audits.
• Directly supervises Cast House personnel.
• Partners with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other departments to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and reliability objectives.
• Collaborates with plant leadership to drive employee development, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

What you will bring to the position:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or industrial management, metallurgy, engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience required.
• Five plus (5+) years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with responsibility for safety, quality, productivity, and employee development in a heavy manufacturing environment required.
• Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
• Demonstrated understanding of manufacturing processes and operations.
• Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, KPS, or similar continuous improvement systems to reduce waste and improve performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with employees, leaders, customers, and support functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced team environment.

Work environment:

• Work is performed in a combination of climate-controlled office space and manufacturing/production environments.
• Exposure to noise, heat, fumes, dust, and moving equipment may occur while on the production floor.
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated areas.
• Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered based on job-related qualifications and abilities. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

About Kaiser Aluminum: Talented people join our team because we are a company passionate about environmental sustainability, employee growth, contributing back to our communities and championing an inclusive culture.