Production Manager

Tenneco Inc.; Seward (NE); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenneco Inc. in Seward, Nebraska, is seeking an experienced production leader to manage operations and achieve plant objectives across safety, quality, and efficiency. The role emphasizes strong leadership, adherence to best practices, and driving performance against KPIs.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, a preferred degree in Engineering or related fields, and a strong understanding of manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading production teams and managing KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production activities for safe and efficient execution.
• Drive performance against departmental KPIs.
• Ensure production output meets customer requirements.
• Monitor financial performance, including scrap and controllable costs.

Skills

Leadership and decision-making ability

Communication skills

Conflict management

Time management

Structured problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Business, Operations Management)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel)

SAP or similar ERP system

Job description

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and managing production operations to achieve plant objectives across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement. This role ensures operational excellence through strong leadership, disciplined execution of standard work, continuous improvement, and accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs).

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Performance Management

• Lead and manage daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and timely execution of production plans.
• Own and drive performance against departmental KPIs, including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, and Engagement.
• Ensure production output meets customer requirements for quantity, quality, and on‑time delivery.
• Monitor and manage production area financial performance, including scrap, MRO, overtime, and other controllable costs.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to all safety, quality, and environmental standards, policies, and procedures.
• Drive execution of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) activities according to defined standards and schedules.
• Ensure Standard Work Sheets (SWS) and 5S standards are implemented, maintained, and continuously improved.
• Lead root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving efforts (e.g., 8D, A3, DMAIC) for internal and customer issues.
• Prepare, present, and follow through on customer 8D reports as required.
• Lead corrective actions from internal/external audits and Gemba walks to closure.

People Leadership & Development

• Directly lead, coach, and develop supervisors/team leaders and production teams.
• Ensure training plans and multi-skill matrices are maintained and aligned to operational needs.
• Build technical and soft-skill capability within the team through structured development and coaching.
• Ensure daily management routines and leader standard work are executed consistently by direct reports.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and high‑engagement team culture aligned with plant values.

Continuous Improvement

• Actively lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Identify waste and implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree preferred (Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field).

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading production teams and managing KPIs strongly preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, with advanced working knowledge of Excel.
• SAP or similar ERP system experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, quality systems, TPM, and lean principles.

Leadership & Behavioral Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership and decision‑making ability
• Strong communication and conflict‑management skills
• Proven people development and coaching capability
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills
• Results‑driven with strong accountability
• Structured problem‑solving mindset

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands for handling, feeling, and operating equipment or materials.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds; occasionally more with assistance.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Manufacturing environment with variable temperatures (hot and cold).
• Moderate to high noise levels; hearing protection required.

Note:

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or activities. Responsibilities may change or be added at any time based on business needs.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities