What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Prolec-GE Waukesha,Inc?
Location: Waukesha, WI
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About the Role
Prolec GE Waukesha is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our heavy manufacturing operations for power transformers. In this role, you will provide oversight and direction to production teams and supervisors, fostering a culture grounded in safety, quality, and operational excellence. You will set clear workmanship and quality expectations across all production areas, drive consistent achievement of daily and shift‑based targets, and execute leader standard work practices. Additionally, you will support pull‑system production strategies, drive plant performance metrics, manage both direct and indirect cost centers, and lead workforce planning to ensure our operations run efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop Operations Supervisors and production teams, ensuring safety, quality, and production goals are consistently achieved.
- Oversee daily workflow, workforce planning, production schedules, and capacity vs. demand to meet throughput and delivery requirements.
- Monitor work in process to ensure workmanship, housekeeping, and safety standards are maintained.
- Drive productivity and efficiency improvements through evaluation of processes, methods, schedules, staffing deployment, job alignment, and manufacturing elements.
- Facilitate Lean and continuous improvement efforts to enhance leader standard work, pull production systems, and visual factory board management reinforcing 5S, contamination and tool control, Kanban/VMI programs, and tier meetings.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Planning to produce special or first‑time product designs through advanced planning and design review meetings.
- Build strong employee engagement through consistent and effective communication, coaching, and performance management.
- Establish and enforce quality and workmanship standards, follow up on work in process, and partner with Quality and Engineering to resolve and prevent non-conformances.
- Manage department budgets, review performance against plan, and take action to control costs.
- Develop supervisory team leadership skills, assess workforce skill gaps, coordinate training needs with training department, and support employee development initiatives.
- Maintain consistent enforcement of company policies and support a positive and productive work environment.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of manufacturing experience including supervisory experience
- Extensive manufacturing leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Strong leadership abilities with experience managing production teams
- Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, and communication skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, heavy manufacturing environment with shifting priorities
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies
Why Join Us?
- Culture:
We take pride in a culture rooted in strong values, meaningful behaviors, and a deep sense of purpose. Our commitment to our people, community, and the environment shapes who we are and how we work. At Prolec, you’ll feel supported, included, and connected. - Leadership:
Our leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity, growth, and transparency. We invest in our people through comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, continuous coaching, and clear performance expectations - empowering everyone to achieve their highest potential. - Environment:
We create an environment where employees can excel. From modern facilities and collaborative spaces to innovative technology and engaging company events, we provide the tools and atmosphere that enable high-quality work and seamless teamwork. - Wellness:
We recognize that well-being extends beyond the workplace. That’s why we support our employees and their families through programs that promote personal, financial, physical, and family wellness. Our holistic approach ensures you can thrive both professionally and personally.