Production Manager - A Shift (Day Shift)

Illuminate USA; Pataskala (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Illuminate USA in Pataskala, Ohio is seeking a Production Manager to oversee daily operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in a 1.1 million-square-foot facility.

You will implement process improvements, coordinate maintenance, coach a high-performing team, and drive lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to meet ambitious production goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field.
• 8+ years in production management; 3-5 years in senior supervisory role.
• Proven leadership of large teams and complex schedules.
• Expertise in safety, lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, 6S, and advanced manufacturing tech.
• Ability to optimize processes, reduce costs, and boost efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to meet/exceed monthly and annual goals.
• Ensure compliance with process specs and quality standards.
• Monitor production metrics; implement improvements and optimizations.
• Promote 6S, lean manufacturing, and quality initiatives.
• Identify root causes of defects and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize processes, equipment, and materials to cut costs.
• Enforce comprehensive safety programs and hazard assessments.
• Develop team through training and leadership.
• Coordinate downtime, maintenance and turnarounds for efficiency.
• Oversee equipment procurement and spare parts planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

ISO 9001

Process optimization

Cost reduction

MS Office/Production systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/manufacturing

Tools

Production management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grew to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere. This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you! We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area. In this critical role, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of production areas, ensuring that production goals are met or exceeded while adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency. You will also be responsible for implementing process improvements, coordinating maintenance activities, and developing a high-performing team to sustain long-term success.

Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to achieve and exceed monthly and annual production goals set by the planning department.
• Drive compliance with process specifications and quality standards to maintain product excellence.
• Oversee production metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing process optimizations.
• Champion the adoption of 6S principles, lean manufacturing, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Investigate root causes of production defects or abnormalities and develop corrective and preventive measures.
• Evaluate and optimize production processes, equipment, and materials to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Ensure workplace safety by implementing and enforcing a comprehensive safety program, conducting hazard assessments, and preventing safety incidents.
• Provide leadership for team development, staff training, and management within the workshop.
• Facilitate workshops aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, and elevating quality.
• Oversee the evaluation and procurement of equipment and auxiliary materials, including spare parts production.
• Plan and coordinate downtime, maintenance, and turnarounds for maximum efficiency.
• Respond to and analyze work safety incidents, implementing actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence.
• Execute additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of production management experience, including 3-5 years in a senior supervisory or managerial role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large teams and managing complex production schedules.
• Extensive expertise in production safety, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement processes.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 standards, 6S principles, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Exceptional skills in process optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production management systems.
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire teams and engage stakeholders.
• Commitment to professional growth, continuous learning, and adopting innovative practices.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Illuminate USA, a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, is building one of the largest solar panel manufacturing factories in the Western Hemisphere. This 1.1 million-square-foot factory is currently in advanced stages of preparation in the Columbus, Ohio area. Illuminate USA is seeking highly motivated team members to help the company grow from startup to a full scale, industry leading manufacturer with $1B - $2B expected annual revenue and over 1,200 employees in less than two years. This will be a fast-paced and exciting time in our history as we are building something great from the ground up here in central Ohio. We offer competitive pay, benefits, and ongoing career development opportunities. Come join our collaborative, people-focused, and innovative workplace as we embark upon this unique and exciting journey!