Production Ops Leader: Lean & Continuous Improvement

Appleton Finn; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, ensuring targets are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will guide production teams, drive process improvements, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a data-driven mindset, and a proven ability to deliver results while upholding safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of production leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading high-performing production teams in a fast-paced operation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and operational metrics.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP and production reporting tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and manufacturing personnel to achieve operational objectives.
• Plan, organize, and oversee daily production activities to meet customer demand, quality expectations, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor production performance through KPIs including safety, quality, productivity, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other methodologies.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams to optimize plant performance.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Manage labor planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency.
• Support new product introductions, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and ensure adherence across production teams.
• Conduct performance reviews, training, coaching, and succession planning for production staff.
• Participate in budgeting activities and manage departmental costs while maintaining performance.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and implement sustainable improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous development.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Data-driven decision making

Problem-solving

Communication

Continuous improvement

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

ERP/MRP systems

Performance metrics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, ensuring targets are met safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will guide production teams, drive process improvements, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a data-driven mindset, and a proven ability to deliver results while upholding safety and regulatory requirements.