Production Manager

Big Tex Trailers; Wills Point (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Tex Trailers is seeking a Weld Production Manager to lead welding and fabrication operations, driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for the weld department, ensuring trailers are manufactured to the highest standards.

The successful candidate will oversee workforce performance, production planning, quality execution, resource utilization, and process improvement while partnering with Plant Management to meet

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 7+ years welding and fabrication experience in manufacturing.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes, fabrication techniques, metallurgy, and trailer manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints, weld symbols, drawings, and specs.
• Experience managing production in a fast-paced environment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or CI experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead welding and fabrication operations to meet production schedules and demand.
• Standardize and optimize welding equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Troubleshoot welding process issues; partner with Maintenance and Quality to minimize downtime.
• Oversee weld quality systems and adherence to specs and standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to welding personnel.
• Ensure compliance with engineering specs, customer requirements, and quality standards.
• Monitor production metrics and drive cost reduction and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Materials, Quality, Maintenance, and Distribution to meet plant objectives.
• Lead investigations and root cause analyses for production, safety, and equipment.

Skills

Welding & Fabrication

Leadership

Manufacturing Operations

Blueprints & Drawings

Problem Solving

Communication

Lean/Six Sigma CI

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Summary

At Big Tex Trailers, the Weld Production Manager will be responsible for leading and managing all welding and fabrication operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the weld department, ensuring trailers are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The Weld Production Manager oversees all aspects of weld production, including workforce performance, production planning, quality execution, resource utilization, and process improvement, while partnering closely with the Plant Manager and cross-functional leaders to achieve business objectives.

Weld Production Manager

At Big Tex Trailers, the Weld Production Manager will be responsible for leading and managing all welding and fabrication operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for the weld department, ensuring trailers are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The Weld Production Manager oversees all aspects of weld production, including workforce performance, production planning, quality execution, resource utilization, and process improvement, while partnering closely with the Plant Manager and cross-functional leaders to achieve business objectives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead all welding and fabrication operations to meet production schedules, customer demand, and operational goals.
• Ensure welding equipment, processes, and procedures are standardized and operating effectively, including verification of machine settings, gas mixes, consumables, grounding, leads, guns, and overall weld system performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of welding process and equipment issues while partnering with Maintenance and Quality to minimize downtime and ensure weld integrity.
• Oversee weld quality systems, including review of prints, weld maps, weld procedure compliance, weld integrity testing, and adherence to established manufacturing standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to welding personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all welding activities meet engineering specifications, weld procedures, customer requirements, and company quality standards.
• Monitor production performance and analyze key metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and cost reduction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and operational excellence.
• Partner with Materials, Quality, Maintenance, and Distribution leadership to achieve plant objectives related to production flow, material availability, product quality, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency, including management and improvement of Heads per Trailer (HPT) performance.
• Lead investigations and root cause analysis efforts related to production, quality, safety, and equipment concerns.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, OSHA regulations, safety requirements, and PPE standards.
• Promote a culture where safety is a core value and employee engagement is encouraged.
• Support staffing, workforce planning, employee relations, training, and talent development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production records, performance reporting, and departmental documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 7 years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of welding processes, fabrication techniques, metallurgy, and trailer manufacturing operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Experience managing production operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of production planning, labor management, and operational metrics.
• Proven ability to develop employees and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing reporting systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, welding fumes, heat, vibration, and varying temperatures.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.