Production Manager

Orion Talent; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Talent is seeking a veneer plant operations leader in Salisbury, NC to supervise production, maintenance, and logistics. You will drive process improvements, manage staff, and ensure safety compliance while optimizing output and efficiency.

The role requires a mechanical/electrical engineering background with 6–8+ years in LEAN or continuous improvement, and familiarity with ERP systems including MS Dynamics AX. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 6-8+ years in LEAN manufacturing or continuous improvement.
• Engineering understanding of production line equipment, controls, and electrical assemblies.
• Extensive knowledge of shipping/receiving, warehouse operations, and supervising staff.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt is a plus.
• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; MS Dynamics AX a plus.
• Clear communication, organization, and teamwork.
• Ability to interpret inventory reports and solve problems.
• Mathematical acumen and knowledge of tech-driven operational processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong analytical skills.
• Physical ability to walk/stand/bend and lift up to 35+ lbs.
• German schematics reading is a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of HPVA and AWi standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of veneer plant production, warehouse, and plant output.
• Direct daily production, shipping, receiving, maintenance, and inventory control.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance in mechanical/electrical systems.
• Maintain a motivated workforce with training and succession planning.
• Develop metrics for inventory, shipment accuracy, and efficiency.
• Negotiate carrier pricing and manage outbound logistics.
• Ensure OSHA/EPA safety compliance and training.

Skills

LEAN manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Problem solving

Verbal & written communication

Mathematical acumen

Industrial engineering understanding

Analytical reporting

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

LEAN/continuous improvement experience

Tools

MS Dynamics AX

ERP systems

Warehouse management systems

Job description

This position is responsible for overseeing all physical aspects of the Veneer plant's efficient operation, including the continuous improvement of production processes, warehouse, personnel, and plant output. Additionally, it involves overseeing the maintenance of the production equipment's mechanical/ electrical systems and components.

• Provide technical guidance and expertise in mechanical engineering and mechanical systems of the veneer plant's equipment.
• Oversees cost productivity and labor efficiency goals and continuous improvement plans.
• Drive process optimization initiatives to streamline operations, improve productivity, and reduce costs.
• Accountable for maintaining a highly motivated workforce, ensuring training programs improve individual skills, productivity, and technical competence to provide career advancement/success planning.
• Adjust and calibrate equipment and machinery to optimal specifications as needed.
• Direct daily production, shipping, receiving, maintenance, and inventory control activities with transportation carriers (truck, rail, etc.)
• Develop key metrics and monitor performance regarding inventory accuracy, shipment accuracy, and facility efficiency.
• Build and promote strong relationships with outbound truckload carriers, negotiate pricing agreements and contracts, and monitor service levels and truckload carriers.
• Develop means determining carrier use and lane management for outbound shipments, including capturing freight costs per shipment to track overall profitability and conducting pricing analyses per customer.
• Thorough understanding of OSHA and EPA regulations on employee safety and training, plant operations, and maintenance.
• Conduct root cause analysis to prevent recurring issues.
• Maintain a continuous-improvement mindset. look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Maintain a base level of knowledge on any external market factors that could affect production and distribution.
• Oversee the receiving, storage, and distribution of products.
• Back up forklift and machine operator as needed to support operations.
• Strong knowledge of logistics principles and warehouse management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field required; and
• 6-8+ years of related experience in LEAN manufacturing or continuous improvement-related role.
• Engineering understanding of production line equipment, controls, and electrical assemblies.
• Extensive knowledge of shipping and receiving practices and procedures, warehouse & material handling operations, and supervising and motivating employees.
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt Certification is a plus.
• Strong understanding of mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software systems. Experience with M.S. Dynamics A.X. is a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form, interpret key reports (including key financial reports), be well-organized, and work cohesively with other members of a strong-performing team.
• Ability to make sound business judgments and apply problem-solving skills as required.
• Possess a solid level of mathematical acumen and have knowledge of technology-driven operational processes.
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess current operational effectiveness and needs.
• Ability to interpret inventory reports, organize, understand, and solve numerical and quantitative problems.
• This position requires routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying items weighing up to 35 + pounds.
• Reading and understanding German schematics is a plus but is not required.
• Working knowledge of HPVA & AWi Standards