Production Manager

Illinois Crane Inc; Neenah (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Solutions in Neenah, WI, seeks a Production Manager to lead shop floor planning and execution, driving safety, quality, and efficiency while building a high-performing team of technicians.

The role focuses on delivering on-time, flawless products and continuous improvement, partnering with project managers, purchasing, and other plants to meet customer commitments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 5+ years as Production Supervisor/Manager in manufacturing.
• 2+ years in Make-to-Order/Engineered-to-Order environment.
• Experience with production planning, safety, and quality control.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to meet safety, quality, cost, and production targets.
• Plan and execute fabrication, assembly, and installation operations.
• Foster a Safety-First culture across operations and installations.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Project coordination

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing/Business

Tools

ERP

MRP systems

Job description

Production Manager

NEENAH WI

Position Summary

The Production Manager ensures Lift Solutions delivers on its commitments: precision, reliable, engineered solutions, specific for each customer’s needs in the New Equipment Business. This role owns planning and execution through installation — driving operational excellence through safety, quality, operational discipline, efficiency and flow on the shop floor — while developing a team of technicians into a high-performing, accountable unit. Success means customers always receive on-time, flawless products; employees take pride in their craftsmanship; and operations continuously improve in alignment with Lift Solutions’ strategic vision.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily plant operations to ensure targets for safety, quality, cost, and production are
• Responsible for the planning and execution for all fabrication, assembly and install operations
• Champion a Safety-First culture across all of operations both within fabrication and customer installation. Drive the implementation of safety and industrial hygiene programs designed to minimize the severity and frequency of workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Lead, mentor, and coach Supervisors and Team Leads to build and sustain high-performing teams and promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and teamwork. Provide effective training and onboarding to employees to develop strong technical skills and flexibility within the workforce
• Lead the team to drive high quality, product consistency, reduce defects, and improve overall quality through robust systems and standards.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts to improve material flow, manufacturing efficiency, and exceed delivery commitments through 5S, Standard Work and effective root cause problem solving.
• Take aggressive action to drive financial performance in the areas of direct and indirect labor, manufacturing overhead cost, and inventory levels.
• Partner with project managers, purchasing, estimating and other Lift Solutions plants to set up a solid plan for success and execute flawlessly.
• Monitor and analyze capacity across all resources and proactively level load work, develop plans to remove constraints and manage the overall plan to protect the customer commitment dates. Ensure effective allocation of resources across all areas of the operation to accomplish customer-driven priorities.
• Manage operational targets and KPIs and ensure all team members are working towards the business goals through Daily Management, Tier Meetings and Schedule Adherence Alignment
• Communicate performance, challenges, and strategic plans to senior leadership and cross-functional teams and escalating when identify roadblocks.
• Accountable for inventory utilization, management and control
• Play an active and significant role in the S&OP process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years as a Production Supervisor or Manager in a Manufacturing Environment.
• 2+ years experience in a Make-to-Order, Engineered-to-Order business
• Demonstrated Experience of production planning, Safety Excellence, and quality control principles.
• Demonstrated experience with Lean Daily Management, Kaizen, 5S, Tier meetings, problem solving and gemba walks
• Strong project management skills, including scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software (e.g., ERP, MRP systems).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of ISO standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift 35-50 lbs as needed
• Work in a manufacturing environment with moderate noise and variable temperatures.