Production Manager
Description:
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the production process to ensure efficient operations and high-quality output. This role focuses on optimizing production resources, including labor and machinery, while maintaining strict quality control standards. The Production Manager will lead and develop the production team, fostering career development opportunities, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity. Additionally, the role ensures that all production processes run smoothly and in compliance with safety and operational standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Production Resource Management (People & Machine Resources):
Oversee and manage the allocation of human and machine resources to ensure efficient production.
Develop and manage production schedules, balancing labor and machinery to meet production targets.
Monitor equipment performance and collaborate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and maximize output.
Ensure proper staffing levels and allocate tasks to meet production demands.
Ensuring the accuracy of data within all related systems. ie; Syteline, Factory Track and Paylocity
Quality Control:
Implement and monitor quality control systems to ensure products meet the company’s quality standards.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to address any defects or non-conformance issues.
Drive a zero-defect culture by proactively identifying potential quality risks and developing preventive measures.
Analyze quality performance data and implement corrective actions to maintain product integrity.
Team Leadership and Development (Career Pathways):
Lead, manage, and mentor the production team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Identify and support career development opportunities for employees, including training, skill development, and progression pathways.
Responsible for the employee performance cycle, including conducting one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and setting measurable goals to support team members’ growth.
Responsible for creating a succession strategy for direct labor and ensuring bench strength for production leadership positions
Promote cross-training to build a flexible and adaptable workforce capable of handling diverse production tasks.
Provide troubleshooting support during off-shift hours as needed to resolve operational issues and ensure continuous production.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify and lead initiatives to improve production efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize workflows.
Implement lean manufacturing practices and other continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma.
Encourage a culture of innovation by soliciting input from team members and applying their suggestions to streamline operations.
Regularly review production data and KPIs to drive improvements in performance and output.
Process Management:
Oversee the entire production process, ensuring workflows are optimized to meet production goals and delivery schedules.
Ensure that all production activities are compliant with safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
Collaborate with the supply chain and logistics teams to ensure the timely availability of materials and resources.
Manage and monitor production schedules, ensuring alignment with delivery timelines and customer expectations.
Requirements:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field required.
Master's degree or certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in production or manufacturing management, with experience in resource management, quality control, and process improvement.
Leadership Experience:
Demonstrated experience leading teams, developing talent, and fostering career growth within a production environment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILTIES:
Knowledge:
Production Systems & Operations Management:
In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
Understanding of machinery and equipment functions, maintenance requirements, and operational limits.
Quality Control & Assurance:
Familiarity with quality management systems, standards (e.g., ISO, Six Sigma), and inspection procedures.
Knowledge of root cause analysis and corrective action plans for addressing quality defects.
Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement:
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, such as waste reduction, value stream mapping, and process optimization.
Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies, including Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S.
Health & Safety Regulations:
Knowledge of workplace safety standards (e.g., OSHA or equivalent) and best practices for maintaining a safe and compliant production environment.
Human Resource Management:
Familiarity with employee development, performance management, and labor laws to manage staffing, training, and career progression.
Knowledge of employee motivation and engagement strategies to foster a positive working environment.
Skills:
Leadership & Team Management:
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams, manage conflict, and foster a collaborative culture.
Talent for identifying employee strengths, promoting development, and offering career growth opportunities.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills:
Strong analytical skills to identify production inefficiencies, solve complex issues, and improve processes.
Ability to interpret data from production metrics (KPIs) and make informed decisions for continuous improvement.
Project Management:
Proficient in planning, scheduling, and managing multiple projects or production lines, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
Skills in managing resources, allocating labor, and overseeing equipment to maintain productivity.
Communication & Collaboration:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and management.
Ability to collaborate with departments such as Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Supply Chain for effective operations.
Technical Proficiency:
Expertise in using production management software (e.g., ERP systems) and familiarity with data analysis tools for tracking production performance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting and data presentation.
Time Management & Prioritization:
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Continuous Improvement Implementation:
Ability to drive continuous improvement efforts by implementing efficiency-enhancing strategies and employee-driven suggestions.
Abilities:
Resource Management:
Ability to manage both human and machine resources effectively to optimize production schedules, minimize downtime, and ensure efficient workflow.
Decision-Making Under Pressure:
Ability to make quick, data-driven decisions in high-pressure situations to resolve issues without compromising production targets.
Fostering a Culture of Accountability:
Capacity to hold team members accountable for meeting production standards and performance metrics, while also creating an environment that encourages feedback and improvement.
Adaptability and Flexibility:
Ability to adapt to changes in production requirements, equipment availability, or team dynamics while maintaining performance and output quality.
Attention to Detail:
Keen eye for spotting inefficiencies, potential risks, and areas for improvement, ensuring processes are optimized and compliant with standards.
Continuous Learning & Innovation:
Eagerness to stay up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices, applying innovative solutions to improve production processes.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:
Production Resource Management (People & Machine Resources)
Production Efficiency, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Capacity Utilization
Quality Control
First Pass Yield (FPY), Defect Rate, Customer Return Rate
Team Leadership and Development (Career Pathways)
Employee Productivity, Training Hours per Employee, Employee Retention Rate
Continuous Improvement
Improvement Suggestion Implementation Rate, Waste Reduction Rate, Cycle Time Reduction
Process Management
On-Time Delivery (OTD) Rate, Lead Time, Production Schedule Adherence
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit
The employee is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle, finger or feel objects, tools or controls. Hands and fingers may perform repetitive motion. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasionally the employee will lift and/or move over 25 pounds with the use of a lift assist. This job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
TOTAL COMPENSATION:
The pay range listed reflects the potential compensation for this position. Compensation will vary based on factors including experience. Other benefits include weekly transportation benefit, competitive Paid Time Off package, medical insurance, comprehensive ancillary benefit offerings, 401K plan with employer match, and more.
Please note that offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screen as they align with New York State requirements.