Production Manager

Essential Functions

• Develop and manage production plans and schedules to meet customer requirements, delivery commitments, quality standards, and organizational goals.
• Lead and supervise Production Supervisors and production employees, including hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluation, assignment of responsibilities, and establishment of priorities.
• Communicate expectations clearly, hold production personnel accountable, and work with Human Resources and company leadership on employee development and corrective action as appropriate.
• Monitor production schedules, workload, staffing, material availability, inventory levels, equipment, and capacity; adjust priorities and address shortages, delays, or disruptions as needed.
• Coordinate the effective use of labor, equipment, materials, and other resources to maximize productivity and meet production targets.
• Read and interpret prints, drawings, dimensions, specifications, work instructions, and other technical documentation used in production.
• Ensure products and production processes meet company requirements, customer specifications, quality standards, and established work practices.
• Review production performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity, workflow, quality, material utilization, labor efficiency, and overall process effectiveness.
• Monitor production costs and material usage and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality, safety, or operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Sales, Purchasing, Quality, Shipping, Human Resources, R&D, and company leadership to resolve scheduling, material, quality, personnel, and delivery concerns.
• Evaluate material shortages, inventory levels, and purchasing needs that may affect the production schedule and communicate those needs to the appropriate departments.
• Uphold and enforce company safety procedures, promote safe work practices, and participate in accident investigations and corrective actions as required.
• Oversee the safe and efficient operation, care, maintenance, organization, and housekeeping of production equipment and work areas.
• Generate and review production metrics, including output, efficiency, quality, scrap, and other relevant performance measures, to support operational decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Participate in production planning, process improvement, equipment planning, staffing decisions, and other operational initiatives.

Competencies

• Strong leadership, coaching, personnel management, and accountability skills.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical abilities.
• In-depth understanding of production processes, manufacturing methods, equipment, and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of quality control practices, specifications, and applicable industry standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize schedules, labor, equipment, and materials.
• Clear and effective communication with employees, supervisors, cross-functional departments, and company leadership.
• Ability to identify and resolve production delays, material shortages, workflow issues, and other operational constraints.
• Attention to detail and a strong commitment to product quality, consistency, and accurate execution of production requirements.
• Knowledge of workplace safety procedures and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hazards.
• Results-driven approach focused on productivity, accountability, continuous improvement, and efficient use of company resources.