Production Manager

HTI is assisting a global paper packaging company with their search for an experienced Production Manager for their new start-up facility in Spartanburg, SC! This position is full-time and direct hire. The company offers excellent benefits, opportunities for growth, and a positive, collaborative work culture. The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $130,000 / year.

Summary

The Production Manager will lead the production and maintenance functions to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operations. They will also support the installation and commissioning of paper/board converting equipment. Working closely with Engineering and Safety teams, the role drives production processes, preventative maintenance, continuous improvement, and resource optimization to meet customer service, safety, and performance targets.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have at least 4 years of recent experience as a manufacturing Production Manager with oversight for at least 50 hourly employees on multiple shifts.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing, ideally in paper, printing, or packaging.
• Must have previous experience with a startup plant, preferably as a Production Manager or Supervisor.
• Experience in a GMP environment, preferably with a plant that made food packaging products (paper, plastic, film).
• Safety First mindset.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Proven leadership in managing maintenance teams.
• Experience in project planning, budgeting, and KPI reporting.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement strategies.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred.
• Mechanical/electrical aptitude preferred, with previous experience managing maintenance personnel and processes.
• CMMS and data analysis experience for maintenance performance.
• Lean Six Sigma experience or certification.
• Experience with predictive maintenance technologies.

JOB DUTIES:

• Direct supervision of Production Team Lead and Maintenance Team Lead/Planner, with overall management responsibility for a team of 50 hourly employees, including Machine Operators, Packers, Maintenance Technicians and the plant Electrician. The plant will expand within the next 1-2 years and add up to ~50 more hourly production team members.

Production Management

• Lead manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, and customer service targets within budget.
• Develop and implement routines and standards to optimize plant and equipment efficiency.
• Monitor production data/KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Manufacturing Excellence.
• Coordinate with the Quality Manager to ensure product released to customers meets quality specifications and food safety requirements.
• Provide leadership and support to labor planning in order to meet production schedules.

Maintenance Leadership

• Support the Maintenance Team Lead/Planner and the maintenance team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on service, urgency, and professionalism.
• Assist with the design and management of preventative maintenance systems.
• Work with the Team Lead to analyze data, identify the root cause of breakdowns, and implement corrective actions and reliability improvements.
• Coordinate subcontractors and external resources to meet maintenance needs.
• Develop standardized maintenance practices.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote and lead a safety-first culture across production and maintenance teams, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety, ISO 9001:2015, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Coordinate with the Safety Manager to manage safety performance, risk mitigation, and emergency response.
• Oversee training programs in collaboration with the Plant Manager and HR to ensure all personnel are competent in safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Work with the Quality Manager to investigate product non-conformances and customer complaints, ensuring timely resolution and reporting.

Project & Budget Oversight

• Manage project/machinery installation budgets and costs for contractors, operations and staffing.
• Monitor and control labor utilization, consumables, and waste to meet budget targets.

Culture

• Build engagement, strong team spirit, and an environment that supports continuous improvement.
• Lead, manage, train, and engage teams in alignment with company values.
• Communicate site performance/KPI’s, expectations, and relevant updates.
• Address performance and behavioral issues.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 401K with company match
• Healthcare
• Dental
• Vision
• 3 weeks of PTO
• 11 Paid holidays