Production Senior Manager

Surge Staffing; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Surge Staffing seeks a General Manager to oversee manufacturing operations in Alabama, driving productivity, quality, and safety. The role leads production teams, manages resources, and aligns operational plans with customer requirements.

Responsibilities include planning, optimizing processes, and guiding improvements across all manufacturing functions to meet performance targets and maintain workplace excellence.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive production management experience in automotive manufacturing.
• Experience leading production teams and driving operational performance.
• Experience with assembly, press operations, robotics, or automated manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production operations to ensure efficient manufacturing processes and achievement of production targets.
• Establish annual production plans and monitor progress against goals.
• Coordinate new model launches, workforce planning, and operational readiness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality and safety.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and drive a quality-focused culture.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Quality mindset

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Robotics knowledge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Overview

The General Manager is responsible for overseeing manufacturing operations, production performance, workforce management, inventory control, process improvement initiatives, and operational planning. This role provides leadership to production teams while driving improvements in productivity, quality, efficiency, and safety.

The General Manager will analyze production performance, develop improvement strategies, support new model launches, manage operational resources, and ensure manufacturing goals are achieved in alignment with company objectives and customer requirements.

Major Functions

Production Operations & Planning

• Oversee production operations to ensure efficient manufacturing processes and achievement of production targets.
• Manage inventory levels of semi-finished and finished products to support customer delivery requirements.
• Establish annual production plans and monitor progress against operational goals.
• Review previous production performance results and develop future production plans based on customer demand and business objectives.
• Support new model launches by coordinating production trials, workforce planning, and operational readiness.

Process Improvement & Productivity Enhancement

• Analyze assembly and press line downtime, identify root causes, and implement corrective action plans.
• Improve production processes, workflows, and operating procedures to increase productivity, efficiency, and quality performance.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and implement improvements to reduce waste and improve operational effectiveness.
• Monitor production improvement initiatives and ensure successful execution.

Quality & Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement corrective action plans related to productivity and quality issues.
• Promote a quality-focused manufacturing culture through continuous improvement practices.
• Support audit preparation activities and ensure production areas maintain compliance with company standards.
• Evaluate workplace conditions and implement improvement plans to enhance safety, organization, and efficiency.

Workforce & Team Leadership

• Manage production workforce requirements, including staffing levels, attendance, overtime, and employee performance.
• Monitor assembly and press line staffing needs and coordinate with Human Resources for recruitment requirements.
• Manage overtime approvals and workforce utilization to support production demands.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to production managers, supervisors, team leaders, and employees.
• Supervise production employees during emergency or contingency situations as required.

Manufacturing Standards & Workplace Improvement

• Establish and maintain workplace organization initiatives, including 3C and 5S improvement activities.
• Evaluate production floor conditions and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
• Monitor production team performance and ensure improvement plans are completed effectively.

Essential Functions

• Execute and evaluate production floor improvement plans.
• Establish and monitor 3C/5S initiatives within manufacturing areas.
• Analyze downtime trends and develop effective countermeasures.
• Modify production processes and procedures to improve efficiency and output.
• Review assembly and press operations to ensure production objectives are met.
• Monitor workforce attendance and staffing levels to maintain operational requirements.
• Coordinate hiring needs with Human Resources when additional employees are required.
• Manage production overtime requirements and approvals.
• Develop and execute productivity and quality improvement plans.
• Coordinate new model production trials, staffing plans, and operational follow-up activities.
• Review production performance reports and establish annual operational plans.
• Collaborate with Sales and other departments to align production planning with customer requirements.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 12+ years of progressive production management experience within automotive manufacturing, manufacturing operations, or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience managing production teams, improving manufacturing processes, and driving operational performance.
• Experience with assembly, press operations, robotics, or automated manufacturing processes preferred.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production workflows, and continuous improvement methods.
• Understanding of automotive manufacturing standards and operational requirements.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office applications.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Proactive planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong quality mindset and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to lead teams effectively during high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication skills with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Organizational Relationships

The General Manager is accountable to the Plant Manager for all phases of manufacturing operations and works closely with:

• Specialists and Managers
• Production Supervisors
• Production Floor Leaders
• Team Leaders and Production Team Members
• Human Resources

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