Production Manager

Cox Machine, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cox Machine, Inc. in Wichita seeks a Production Manager Level II to lead manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and optimize production performance.

You will partner with planning, engineering, and supply chain to improve capacity, scheduling, and resources while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met. The role emphasizes data-driven strategy, Lean manufacturing, and adherence to industry standards such as AS9100, with responsibility for developing

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production management.
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute production strategies for efficiency, quality, and profitability.
• Manage daily manufacturing operations with safety, quality, and delivery in mind.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering, and supply chain to optimize capacity and scheduling.
• Monitor production metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap, on-time delivery) and take corrective actions.
• Lead capital improvement projects and technology implementations to enhance capability.
• Drive alignment between production strategy and corporate goals including growth and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and other aerospace standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to complete orders on time and within budget.
• Lead Lean deployment and structured problem-solving across operations.
• Identify and eliminate waste through value stream mapping and Kaizen events.
• Establish and maintain standard work, 6S, and visual management systems.
• Coach employees in Lean thinking and CI methodologies.
• Use data and analytics to drive decisions and CI effectiveness.
• Foster accountability, innovation, and engagement across the workforce.

Skills

Production scheduling

On-time delivery

Lean thinking

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Data analysis

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

Job description

Production Manager

Job Description

The Production Manager Level II role provides leadership and direction to manufacturing operations while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the organization. This role is responsible for optimizing production performance, resource utilization, and process efficiency through data-driven strategy, Lean manufacturing, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. The position partners with cross-functional teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals that support long-term business objectives and customer satisfaction.

Education

• Bachelors degree business administration or related field preferred

Job Experience

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production management.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing a team of production staff.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of quality management systems, such as AS9100 or Six Sigma, is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and production planning software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute production strategies that align with company objectives for efficiency, quality, and profitability.
• Manage daily manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and delivery standards.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering, and supply chain to optimize capacity, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Monitor production metrics (OEE, throughput, scrap, on-time delivery) and implement corrective actions to achieve targets.
• Lead strategic capital improvement projects and technology implementations to enhance manufacturing capability.
• Drive alignment between production strategy and corporate goals, including growth, modernization, and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and other aerospace industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure that orders are completed on-time and within budget.
• Lead the deployment of Lean manufacturing principles, and structured problem-solving across all operations.
• Identify and eliminate waste through process analysis, value stream mapping, and Kaizen events.
• Establish and maintain standard work, 6S, and visual management systems.
• Coach and mentor employees and leaders in Lean thinking and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Utilize data and analytics to drive decision-making and measure CI effectiveness.
• Champion a culture of accountability, innovation, and engagement throughout the workforce.
• Integrate CI initiatives into daily production management systems to ensure sustainable improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement training to improve skill levels and output reliability.

Skills

• Direct or plan a production schedule for the job
• Meet goals for On-time delivery and throughput performance
• Align and sustain process to achieve year-over-year productivity and cost reduction
• Generate process that reduce defects, rework elimination, and quality improvements
• Ensure a steady cadence of continuous improvement initiatives are completed and sustained
• Develop succession plans for critical roles and ensure staff capability/skillset meets the needs of the production floor
• Verify that standard work and visual management boards are current and followed
• Facilitate tiered accountability meetings to ensure communication and alignment across shifts