Production Manager

KCG Search; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KCG Search is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead daily operations at its Santa Ana facility. You will drive production planning, schedule targets, and ensure on-time delivery in a fast-paced, small-team environment.

Ideal candidates will have experience in machining/manufacturing, a track record of tackling backlogs, and strong leadership to build culture on the shop floor. CNC exposure is highly preferred and problem-solving is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing production in a machining or manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to address and reduce production backlogs.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on building team culture.
• Hands-on mindset on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily and weekly production targets and schedules.
• Supervise operators, machinists, and support staff; train and develop team members.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste; implement lean practices.
• Ensure materials are available; coordinate with purchasing to avoid shortages or excess inventory.
• Keep machines running; coordinate preventative maintenance and troubleshoot downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Hands-on

Backlog reduction

CNC experience

Team building

Job description

A growing precision manufacturing company is seeking a hands‑on Production Manager to lead daily operations at its Santa Ana facility.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a smaller, fast-paced environment and enjoys building structure, improving processes, and leading from the front.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Organize and manage daily and weekly production targets
• Ensure jobs are completed on time and meet delivery commitments
• Balance workload across a small, dynamic team
• Supervise operators, machinists, and support staff
• Train and develop team members while building a strong, accountable culture
• Manage performance, attendance, and overall team morale

Quality Oversight

• Ensure products consistently meet required standards
• Identify defects and drive root cause resolution
• Maintain quality across all stages of production

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste
• Implement lean practices in a practical, hands‑on way
• Optimize workflows within a small‑team environment

Inventory & Materials

• Ensure materials are available to meet production needs
• Partner with purchasing to avoid shortages or excess inventory

Equipment & Maintenance

• Keep machines running efficiently
• Coordinate preventative maintenance
• Troubleshoot issues quickly to minimize downtime

What We’re Looking For

• Experience managing production in a machining or manufacturing environment
• Proven ability to address and reduce production backlogs
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on building team culture
• Hands‑on mindset — comfortable stepping in on the floor when needed
• CNC machining experience or background highly preferred
• Problem‑solver who can operate effectively in a growing, evolving environment

Why This Role

• Opportunity to make a real impact in a growing operation
• High visibility with leadership
• Ability to shape processes, team structure, and production flow

If you’re someone who likes to fix problems, build teams, and drive results, this is a great opportunity to step into a role where your impact will be immediate.