What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Appleton Finn?
Production Manager
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving operational excellence, leading production teams, improving processes, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong people management skills, a data-driven mindset, and a proven ability to deliver results within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and manufacturing personnel to achieve operational objectives.
- Plan, organize, and oversee daily production activities to meet customer demand, quality expectations, and delivery schedules.
- Monitor production performance through KPIs including safety, quality, productivity, downtime, scrap, and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies.
- Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams to optimize plant performance.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Identify production bottlenecks and implement corrective actions to improve throughput and reduce waste.
- Manage labor planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency.
- Support new product introductions, equipment installations, and process improvements.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure adherence across production teams.
- Conduct performance reviews, training, coaching, and succession planning for production staff.
- Participate in budgeting activities and manage departmental costs while maintaining operational performance.
- Analyze production data to identify trends and implement sustainable improvements.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous development across the manufacturing operation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of production leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading high-performing production teams in a fast-paced operation.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, and operational metrics.
- Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.
Preferred Experience
- Experience within high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of automated manufacturing systems and process optimization.
- Experience with change management and operational transformation initiatives.
- Lean Six Sigma certification is considered an advantage.
Key Competencies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Production Planning & Scheduling
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Manufacturing
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Performance Management
- Root Cause Analysis
- Process Optimization
- KPI Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Communication & Influencing
Salary : $100,000 - $130,000