Production Manager (Eyewear)

Gaynor Staffing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Gaynor Staffing seeks a Production Manager – Eyewear in Los Angeles to oversee day-to-day operations in precision eyewear manufacturing. This full-time role requires expertise in managing a team of 11, optimizing production processes, and ensuring quality output.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of supervisory experience in manufacturing, with strong leadership skills and hands-on mechanical expertise. The position entails collaboration with engineering while ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of supervisory experience managing teams in precision manufacturing.
• Hands-on expertise in machine setup and tooling qualification.
• Ability to train technicians on complex processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team across multiple production operations.
• Develop and enforce production schedules and timing standards.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to transition designs into production.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Machine setup

Process optimization

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Production tracking software

Job description

Summary / Objective

The Production Manager – Eyewear is responsible for leading day‑to‑day operations within the precision eyewear manufacturing division, managing a team across press operations, finishing, polishing, complex assembly, and quality control. This role combines leadership and direct, hands‑on production work to maintain flow, deepen process expertise, and ensure repeatable, high‑quality output. The manager develops and enforces timing standards, oversees hiring and training, maintains production schedules, and partners closely with engineering and CAD teams to transition designs, tooling, and advanced manufacturing methods into serial production. Additional responsibilities include first‑article qualifications, in‑process quality control, material yield improvement, MRB activities, safety oversight, and support of prototype builds, repairs, and special projects.

Essential Functions

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of up to 15 employees (currently 11) across press operations, industrial finishing, polishing, complex assembly, and quality control.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, training, and disciplinary actions.
• Work alongside the team operating manual machines and hand processes and as needed to maintain production flow and deepen process expertise (true working manager role).
• Optimize material flow and resource utilization through all production stages.
• Develop, document, and enforce accurate timing standards; monitor and improve team adherence.
• Generate and maintain detailed production schedules.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and CAD teams to transition designs and tooling packages into repeatable serial production.
• Perform first‑article qualifications, validate new tooling/processes, and train staff on new equipment and methods.
• Set and enforce in‑process quality standards, lead material review board (MRB) activities, and drive root‑cause resolution to maximize material yield.
• Partner with in‑house machine shop to achieve precise geometric fits and tolerances in complex assemblies.
• Operate and maintain production data systems, advance tracking, reporting, and capacity forecasting capabilities.
• Support prototype builds, customer returns/repairs, and special projects outside standard eyewear production.
• Assist engineering in developing and implementing advanced manufacturing methods, tooling, and machinery.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce safety standards and protocols for the team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct supervisory experience managing 8+ employees in a labor‑intensive, precision manufacturing environment.
• Proven hands‑on expertise in machine setup, tooling qualification, first‑article inspection, and sustaining consistent output.
• Demonstrated ability to train and develop technicians on complex processes, tooling, and materials.
• Extensive experience with close‑tolerance, multi‑process geometric assemblies.
• Strong proficiency reading and interpreting mechanical drawings and technical documentation.
• Track record of creating and managing production schedules with multiple dependencies.
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and problem‑solving skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Superior communication skills—able to explain detailed concepts clearly in visual, verbal, and written form.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word); experience with production tracking/MES software a plus.
• Comfortable leading group brainstorming and process‑improvement sessions.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and additive manufacturing is desirable.
• Strong safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.

Supervisory Responsibility

Yes.

Reports To

This position is a direct report to the Director of Eyewear Development & Production.

Work Environment

This position operates in a warehouse and office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers and other electronic devices. Direct interaction is required with the machine shop fabricators to see project progress, ask questions, and understand potential issues in production process.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time, some walking. Employees are regularly required to talk and/or hear. Employees will be expected to repeat much of the physical motions throughout the shift that may include use of their feet, legs, arms, wrists, hands and/or fingers. This work will involve a variety of hand operations requiring a high degree of manual dexterity and close visual attention. The employee must be able to carry and/or lift up to 25 lbs. if needed.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

This is a full‑time, salary, exempt position.

Travel

Travel is not expected for this position.