Production Manager, Exits Division

Socket.dev; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sargent Manufacturing invites a seasoned Production Manager to lead on-site manufacturing for the Exits division in New Haven, CT. You will drive safety, quality, and productivity while championing Lean initiatives and Kaizen events.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of manufacturing leadership, deep knowledge of quality systems, and a proven track record of delivering results through structured problem-solving and team development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience leading Kaizen events and Lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Proven ability to drive issues to resolution via root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process control, and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Manage production scheduling and execution to ensure on-time delivery.
• Champion Kaizen events and Lean initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Serve as operational/technical leader for Exits manufacturing processes; troubleshoot and resolve issues.
• Develop and mentor production staff to strengthen performance and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Kaizen events

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Quality systems

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field

Job description

Sargent Manufacturing is a market leader in commercial door hardware. The company's customer base includes commercial construction, institutional and industrial markets. Included in our product offerings are windstorm certified locks, hardwired and wireless access control devices, designer levers and antimicrobial hardware coating.

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations within our Exits Division. In this role, you will provide strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable execution of production activities while driving a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be a strong people leader with a proven ability to lead Kaizen events, resolve complex production challenges, improve operational performance, and consistently deliver products on time to meet customer expectations.

This position is based on site in New Haven, CT and reports directly to the Profit Center Manager, Exits.

What you will be doing

• Lead all production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Manage production scheduling and execution, ensuring customer commitments are met through consistent on-time delivery performance.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives by leading Kaizen events, implementing Lean manufacturing principles, and driving sustainable process improvements.
• Serve as the operational and technical leader for Exits manufacturing processes, providing expertise in process control, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Drive production issues to timely resolution through root cause analysis, corrective actions, and cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.
• Optimize equipment effectiveness, manufacturing workflows, and process documentation to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for powder coating and polishing operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including productivity, scrap, rework, throughput, equipment utilization, and on-time delivery.
• Develop, coach, and mentor production employees to strengthen team performance, accountability, and engagement.
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence while ensuring compliance with customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and company standards.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to implement corrective actions and preventive measures that improve operational reliability and customer satisfaction.

What we are looking for

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading Kaizen events, Lean manufacturing initiatives, and continuous improvement programs.
• Proven success driving production issues to resolution through structured problem-solving methodologies, including root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, process control, and operational performance metrics.
• Experience managing production schedules and achieving on-time delivery targets in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while balancing competing priorities and business objectives.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on safety, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

What we offer

We’re passionate about providing amazing opportunities and benefits, so that you can enjoy a lifelong career with us.

• Continuous professional development opportunities and an environment that fosters internal growth and mobility.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package which includes multiple healthcare options, tuition reimbursement, and matching 401k.
• Generous holiday schedule and paid time off to refresh and recharge.
• Employee pricing on our products and discount programs for travel, entertainment, and more

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group

Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces - physical and virtual - safer, more secure, and easier to access.

As an employer, we value results - not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions - supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.