Senior Production Leader: Lean Ops & Improvement

ADP, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

BMG in Knoxville, TN is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive day-to-day execution. The role directs Operations, Quality, Production Planning, and Project Management while advancing Lean initiatives, cost control, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial manufacturing, 4+ years leading 25+ staff, and formal Lean training within a world-class organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of progressive industrial manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 4+ years of leadership experience with 25+ direct reports.
• Formal Lean training and demonstrated success implementing Lean principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Operations, Quality, Production Planning, and Project Management functions.
• Oversee day-to-day production activities to ensure safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective delivery of products.
• Manage production scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet customer demands.
• Lead continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across all areas of responsibility to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance quality.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and develop managers, engineers, and technical staff across all reporting departments.
• Collaborate with the Site Director on budgeting, forecasting, and P&L performance for operations.
• Manage production costs including direct labor, materials, and overhead.
• Work closely with Engineering on design for manufacturability, new product introductions, and design reviews.
• Oversee machine shop operations, equipment utilization, and maintenance programs.
• Ensure effective inventory management, procurement coordination, and material flow.
• Monitor KPIs (safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity) and drive corrective actions.
• Attend proposal, work order, and design reviews to provide practical manufacturing input.
• Lead facilities maintenance, housekeeping, and site organization initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support customer communications, sales inquiries, and business development activities as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Operations management

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field

Job description

BMG in Knoxville, TN is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead our manufacturing operations and drive day-to-day execution. The role directs Operations, Quality, Production Planning, and Project Management while advancing Lean initiatives, cost control, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in industrial manufacturing, 4+ years leading 25+ staff, and formal Lean training within a world-class organization.