Assistant Production Manager

Job Summary:

Ag Express Electronics is seeking an Assistant Harness Production Manager to support the leadership and coordination of harness production operations, working closely with the Harness Production Manager to ensure quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery. This role assists with daily oversight of resources, scheduling, and workflow, while fostering a positive, team-oriented culture. The Assistant Production Manager will help drive continuous improvement initiatives, support cross-departmental communication, and provide coaching and guidance to team members to ensure operational excellence.

This position is located at our Sulphur Springs, Indiana location.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Oversight & Operations Support

• Assist in managing day-to-day harness production activities to meet customer requirements and company goals.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production personnel by assisting with complex manufacturing issues, engineering documentation, and process-related challenges.
• Ensure the availability of equipment, materials, and labor by coordinating with planning and procurement teams.
• Monitor production quality and output, escalating issues as needed to maintain compliance with standards.
• Track production data and provide input to help identify bottlenecks and support workflow improvements.
• Monitor workflow and production constraints, working proactively to remove bottlenecks and improve throughput.
• Ensure production documentation, work instructions, and manufacturing records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with company procedures.

Leadership and Team Support

• Support the Production Manager in leading, motivating, and developing production technicians and operators.
• Foster a safe, collaborative, and accountable work environment on the production floor.
• Provide hands-on assistance with task delegation, shift coordination, and workforce planning.
• Act as a first point of contact for addressing employee questions, concerns, and day-to-day challenges.

Scheduling and Coordination

• Assist with the creation and execution of production schedules to balance efficiency and flexibility.
• Support adjustments to schedules when production challenges, material shortages, or customer needs arise.
• Ensure accurate communication of priorities to team members to keep production goals on track.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between production, quality, procurement, engineering, sales, and shipping to ensure alignment.
• Support new product introductions and process changes by coordinating closely with cross-functional teams.
• Promote clear, proactive communication between departments to minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency.

Continuous Improvement & Training

• Assist with employee performance coaching, onboarding, and development to build technical capability and support departmental objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects, helping to identify and implement process enhancements.
• Maintain and reinforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices on the production floor.
• Support and reinforce compliance with company safety policies and promote safe work practices throughout the production department.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret cable wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, quality standards, and harness production tools (manual and pneumatic) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Adaptability and resilience in handling shifting priorities and production challenges.

Required Experience/Education/Training/Certifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required
• Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of manufacturing or production required. Previous experience in wire harness and cable assembly manufacturing and experience training or coaching employees preferred. 

• Leadership and Team Support:    Prior leadership or supervisory experience in manufacturing or production setting preferred.

• Technical Skills: Ability to interpret cable wiring diagrams and schematics is advantageous.
• Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite with focus on Excel and Word applications.

Physical Demands:

• Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate small components, connectors, and wires with precision and accuracy during the assembly and testing of electrical systems. 

• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally, the role may involve lifting and carrying equipment, tools, or materials weighing up to a certain limit. 

• Standing and Walking: Some tasks may require standing and walking around the facility for limited periods of time, such as collaborating with coworkers and testing certain equipment. 

• Visual Acuity: Good eyesight and visual acuity are important for reading technical diagrams, inspecting electrical components, and identifying small details during the repair and testing process. 

• Sitting for Extended Periods: Much of the work may be conducted at a desk or workstation, requiring the ability to sit for extended periods 

• Repetitive Motion: Some tasks, electronic assembly or testing, may involve repetitive motions of the hands, arms, or fingers. Ergonomic practices should be followed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injuries. 

• Safety Awareness: Awareness of and adherence to safety protocols and procedures, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protocols, is essential when navigating the organization’s facilities to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of workplace hazards or accidents. 

Ag Express Electronics is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities and ensuring a supportive work environment. Candidates are encouraged to discuss specific needs during the application process.

Benefits:

Ag Express Electronics offers a leading benefits package as highlighted below:

• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Medical, Dental, Group Life, Short-Term Disability (STD) with buy-up options
• Voluntary Benefits: Vision, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account(s) (FSA), Life Insurance
• 401(k): Safe Harbor 401(k) including an annual 3% company contribution and Profit Share funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Contribution funded annually at the discretion of Ag Express Electronics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): PTO allowance to support work-life balance and provide employees with opportunities for rest, relaxation, and personal pursuits.
• Holiday Benefits: Recognition and observance of holidays by Ag Express Electronics, allowing employees to celebrate.
• Flexible Hours: Flexible work hours empower employees to have greater control over their work schedules, fostering a better work-life balance and increased flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.
• Educational Assistance: Support for employee development through educational assistance, including financial support for further education or professional certifications relevant to their roles, ensuring continuous learning and growth opportunities.
• Casual Dress Environment: Enjoy a casual dress environment at work, with company-provided branded clothing to promote comfort and a sense of belonging among employees.

Ag Express Electronics is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

About Us:

Ag Express Electronics is a leading provider of innovative electrical solutions for agricultural, construction, and industrial applications. We specialize in designing custom electrical harnesses and distribution systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient solutions that exceed customer expectations.