Production Manager

Zotefoams-1; Walton (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Zotefoams plc is seeking an Operations Director to lead all facets of the manufacturing function. The role demands strategic vision, strong leadership, and a track record of implementing efficient operations aligned with business goals.

You will collaborate with executive leadership to drive continuous improvement, oversee a large cross-functional team, and ensure compliance with ISO standards while maintaining high production performance.

Qualifications

• Strong business acumen with a broad understanding of management practices, principles, procedures, and best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal verbal and written communication and team-building skills.
• Strong proven supervisory and leadership skills; able to oversee multiple cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated proven experience in developing/transforming a team and effective organization.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to set overall strategy and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Inventory and operations platform experience required.
• Ability to traverse the manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead the manufacturing functional area in the organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations to meet current and future needs of the organization.
• Defines, establishes, implements, and communicates the strategic direction of the organization’s operations.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations.
• Collaborate with all departments to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives and daily operations.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, material efficiency, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision.
• Establishes, communicates, and implements operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Presents performance reports and metrics to the appropriate leadership.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in operations management.
• Identifies training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided.
• Collaborate with quality team during ISO certification and recertification processes to maintain compliance with requirements.
• Fosters team and cross-functional relationships; collaborative with the leadership team to establishes policies that promote company culture and vision.
• Supports 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Ability to support and guide a minimum of four direct reports (shift supervisors) and approximately 45 indirect reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Business acumen

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Team-building

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or another industry-related field

Tools

Inventory management software

Job description

Zotefoams plc is a global leader in advanced cellular materials, trusted by some of the world’s most recognized brands to deliver high‑performance solutions.

We design and manufacture lightweight, high‑quality foam products that support innovation across sectors including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, medical and industrial applications. Alongside our core materials business, we develop and commercialize patented technologies and deliver specialist insulation systems for complex, high‑value environments.

This is an exciting time to join Zotefoams. We are growing internationally, investing in our people, technology and capabilities, and seeing increasing demand for our products across global markets. Our work sits at the heart of innovation, helping customers push boundaries in performance, sustainability and design.

We offer the chance to be part of a collaborative, forward‑thinking organization where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your contribution has real impact on a global scale.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Operations Director, this position will be responsible for leading all facets of the manufacturing functional areas; creating a vision for operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess leadership with fundamentally sound management practices, extensive operations and manufacturing experience with strong strategic and analytical capabilities and solid business acumen.

Role Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead the manufacturing functional area in the organization, ensuring development and implementation of efficient operations to meet current and future needs of the organization.
• Defines, establishes, implements, and communicates the strategic direction of the organization’s operations.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals while supplying expertise and guidance on operations.
• Collaborate with all departments to carry out the organization’s goals and objectives and daily operations.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials.
• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans such as those for staffing, development, organization, material efficiency, hardware acquisitions, and facilities are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision.
• Establishes, communicates, and implements operations‑related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Presents performance reports and metrics to the appropriate leadership.
• Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in operations management.
• Identifies training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided.
• Collaborate with quality team during ISO certification and recertification processes to maintain compliance with requirements.
• Fosters team and cross‑functional relationships; collaborative with the leadership team to establishes policies that promote company culture and vision.
• Supports 24/7 manufacturing operation.
• Ability to support and guide a minimum of four direct reports (shift supervisors) and approximately 45 indirect reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you'll need:

• Strong business acumen with a broad understanding of management practices, principles, procedures, and best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal verbal and written communication and team‑building skills.
• Strong proven supervisory and leadership skills; able to oversee multiple cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated proven experience in developing/transforming a team and effective organization.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to set overall strategy and drive continuous improvement.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Inventory and operations platform experience required.
• Ability to traverse the manufacturing plant.

What we're looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or another industry‑related field required.
• Proven experience in production or manufacturing management, at least three years in management preferred.

Why Join Us?

Zotefoams is growing fast, investing globally and winning in new markets. This is a chance to be part of a business where things are moving, decisions are made quickly, and your work has real impact.

You won’t be a small cog here. You’ll have the space to take ownership, contribute ideas and see them through. We back our people to develop, step up and build long term careers, supported by a team that works together and delivers.

Our Values

• Courage – We challenge, act and push for better.
• Impact – We focus on what matters and deliver results.
• Respect – We value different perspectives and work as one team.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.