Production Manager

Company OverviewStella-Jones is a leading manufacturer of essential infrastructure products focused on serving utilities and railroads, as well as supplying big box home improvement stores across North America. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada and publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, Stella-Jones operates a vast network of facilities that employs more than 3,000 employees across the United States and Canada. Built on strong foundations with a coast-to-coast reach, we offer real opportunities for career success and community impact.About our Plant Operations in Whitmire, South CarolinaOur 54-acre manufacturing site in Whitmire specializes in the production of high-quality utility poles and is located 15 miles south of Union in the heart of Union County. The local Stella-Jones team is made up of 35+ manufacturing professionals across a variety of positions. To learn more about Whitmire’s utility pole products (including a 1-minute video overview), visit our product page: https://www.stella-jones.com/en/products/utility-polesPosition OverviewThe Production Manager at the Whitmire plant is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of production operations for assigned shifts. This role focuses on fostering a culture of safety, environmental compliance, confidence, belonging, and performance while ensuring strategic planning, efficient production management, quality assurance, and employee development. The Production Manager works to ensure operational excellence and collaboration across the plant while meeting business goals and customer commitments. This is a newly created position at the plant, reporting to the Plant Manager.Key ResponsibilitiesSafety, Environmental Compliance, and Culture:Promotes and enforces a strong safety culture, ensuring all employees adhere to safety standards and participate actively in safety programs.Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and company policies to maintain a safe and sustainable workplace.Fosters a culture of confidence, belonging, and high performance, aligning teams with organizational values and goals.Production Planning and Oversight:Implements manufacturing operations plans to meet program requirements, production goals, and customer specifications.Analyzes work orders to forecast labor, equipment, and material needs, developing schedules to balance resources efficiently.Assigns operating equipment and personnel to ensure optimal material flow in a timely and cost-effective manner.Coordinates manufacturing activities with other departments and suppliers to maximize production and resource utilization.Establishes and adjusts work procedures to align with production schedules, budgets, and business priorities.Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:Ensures all established costs, quality standards, and delivery commitments are met.Coordinates quality control inspections to maintain compliance with specifications and customer requirements.Develops and implements measures to improve production methods, environmental compliance, equipment performance, and product quality.Identifies opportunities for process improvements and recommends changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.Employee Leadership and Development:Manages exempt and/or non-exempt staff, including performance evaluations, improvement plans, PTO approvals, and work delegation.Provides training, coaching, and guidance to employees, promoting professional growth and skill development.Develops employees to maximize their potential and supports succession planning initiatives.Assists in interviewing, selecting, and onboarding candidates for open positions.Administrative and Operational Duties:Compiles, stores, and retrieves production data for reports and performance metrics.Assists with budget development and monitors budget adherence on an ongoing basis.Maintains accurate time, production, and operational records.Performs other related duties as assigned.Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.QualificationsSignificant experience with Safety and Environmental Compliance requiredSeven (7) or more years of work experience in a manufacturing environment requiredTwo (2) or more years of Supervisory / Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment requiredWood products industry experience preferredExcellent Computer skills including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc) requiredERP system experience such as SAP preferredAbility to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.Employee Benefits:As a Stella-Jones team member, you will have access to excellent benefits and incentives including:Comprehensive total benefits package with 3 medical plans to choose fromSeveral company-paid benefits including:Dental and Vision coverageLife insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policiesLong-Term Disability CoverageAccess to a robust employee assistance programCompetitive compensationAnnual bonus program opportunity401(k) savings plan with generous Company match (150% on the first 4% deferred)Career advancement opportunitiesAbility to purchase Company stockEqual Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled