Production Manager

MRA-The Management Association; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401K with company match

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Universal Presentation Concepts in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to oversee and optimize our manufacturing operations. You will participate directly in production processes while guiding workflows, ensuring quality, and acting as a key communications link between the facility and administrative offices.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in a production/manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record in production management for custom fixtures.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.
• Excellent leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate across departments and resolve operational challenges.
• Experience with production planning, workflow optimization, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely completion.
• Engage in production processes when necessary, assisting with fabrication and assembly.
• Plan and establish work schedules and production sequences to meet goals.
• Supervise and mentor production staff, fostering a high-performance environment.
• Advise on hiring, performance evaluations, and promotions.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce waste, and boost productivity.
• Ensure products meet design specifications and industry standards.
• Serve as liaison between production teams and administrative offices.
• Oversee materials procurement, stock levels, and equipment maintenance.
• Enforce workplace safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Hands-on manufacturing

Production management

Manufacturing processes

Leadership

Effective communication

Production planning

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

CAD software

Lean manufacturing

Job description

Universal Presentation Concepts

Production Manager

Location: Madison, Wi

Job Type: Full-time

About Us

UPC is a leading company in the design and manufacturing of custom retail display fixtures, committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for retail, commercial, and exhibition spaces. Our team thrives on precision, creativity, and efficiency, ensuring that every fixture meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and functionality.

Job Summary

We are seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to oversee and optimize our manufacturing operations. This role requires direct participation in production processes alongside managing workflow, ensuring quality control, and acting as a key communication channel between the production facility and administrative offices. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Oversight: Manage daily manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely completion of projects.
• Hands‑On Participation: Engage in production processes when necessary, assisting with fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting.
• Scheduling: Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor production staff, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance work environment.
• Team management: Advise on and implement personnel decisions related to hiring, firing, performance evaluations, and promotions.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for improving workflow, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity.
• Quality Control: Ensure all products meet design specifications and industry standards before delivery.
• Communication & Coordination: Serve as the liaison between production teams and administrative offices, facilitating clear communication on project timelines, resource needs, and operational challenges.
• Inventory & Resource Management: Oversee material procurement, stock levels, and equipment maintenance to support uninterrupted production.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce workplace safety protocols and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Required: Hands‑on manufacturing experience in a production environment.
• Proven experience in production management, preferably in custom retail display fixture manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across departments and resolve operational challenges.
• Proficiency in production planning, workflow optimization, and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD software or other design tools related to fixture manufacturing.
• Background in lean manufacturing or process improvement methodologies.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and innovative work environment
• 401K with company match