Production Manager

Unifrax I LLC; City of Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 120,897 - 138,907; Full time

Job summary

Unifrax I LLC is seeking a Production Manager for the Pirson Plant in Tonawanda, NY. This role is responsible for leading manufacturing functions and production teams to achieve business objectives while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities and 7-10 years of relevant experience in a continuous process environment. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. Competitive compensation between $120,897 and $138,907 is offered, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and quality standards.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of applicable experience in manufacturing/engineering supervisory roles.
• Demonstrated leadership in building high-performing teams.
• Proficient in Adaptive Coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant manufacturing functions and production teams.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a zero-accident culture.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for operations.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

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

Job description

The Production Manager is responsible for leading the plant manufacturing functions of the Pirson Plant in Tonawanda, NY. They will lead production teams in accomplishing facility goals and objectives in support of company business plans, while meeting established product line specifications, quality standards, productivity and maintenance objectives, housekeeping, and safety requirements. This role provides direction and development to the Shift Supervisors, fostering a high‑performing culture focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

Key Accountabilities

• Safety and Compliance Champion: a zero‑accident culture, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations; promote proactive safety leadership, hazard identification, and employee participation in safety initiatives; maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment; embody Alkegen’s core safety principles including The Seven Safety Absolutes, use of PPE, and Safe Standards of Work at all times.
• Operational Excellence and Performance: achieve production, yield, and delivery targets while optimizing cost and resource utilization; ensure compliance with quality standards and meet or exceed customer expectations; maintain optimal inventory levels to support business requirements; participate in continuous improvement efforts to drive operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
• Leadership and Team Development: lead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and Team Leads to build a strong and motivated production team; foster a culture of engagement, teamwork, and accountability through regular coaching and performance feedback; conduct monthly one‑on‑one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisals; support the development of future leaders within the operations team.
• Strategic and Continuous Improvement: develop and execute strategic plans to strengthen the operations function and support company growth; identify and implement cost‑saving initiatives, process enhancements, and waste reduction opportunities; partner with cross‑functional teams (QA, HR, Engineering, and Product Management) to align operational priorities with business objectives.
• Collaboration and Communication: maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of production changes and resource needs; participate in customer interactions as needed to ensure operational readiness and satisfaction; support HR in workforce planning, employee relations, and plant‑wide engagement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, Manufacturing, Business or a related field (Technical degree preferred).
• 7‑10 years of applicable experience, including at least 5 years of manufacturing/engineering supervisory experience in a continuous process environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in building high‑performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Proficient in Adaptive Coaching skills of listening, asking and responding.
• Competencies: strategic and analytical thinker with a focus on long‑term performance improvement; strong coach and mentor, able to build capability and accountability at all levels; committed to excellence in safety, quality, and delivery; effective communicator with a collaborative and solutions‑oriented approach.

Compensation

Compensation: $120,897 - $138,907 annual Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class. Alkegen is a specialty materials leader serving mission‑critical systems that the world is focused on for the future, including battery technologies, electric vehicles, filtration media, and specialty insulation materials that enable customers to reduce fossil fuel consumption, save energy, and live greener.