Night Shift Production Manager

Job Title: Night Shift Production Manager

Location: Fort Wayne, IN

Department: Operations

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a nonwovens production facility in Fort Wayne, IN. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production, including team leadership, process optimization, safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

The Production Manager will ensure that resources, personnel, and equipment are aligned to meet customer demand while maintaining high standards in safety, product quality, and operational efficiency. This position plays a key role in driving continuous improvement and building a high-performing production team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations within a nonwovens production environment.
• Supervise and develop production supervisors and their teams to ensure strong performance and accountability.
• Promote and enforce a culture focused on safety, health, and environmental compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Monitor and optimize production performance across key metrics such as output, scrap, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill development to meet production demands and support business needs.
• Implement and maintain effective training and cross-training programs for production employees.
• Partner with maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and control maintenance costs.
• Ensure all production processes meet product specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor raw material usage, yields, and scrap, and ensure accurate reporting and analysis.
• Maintain accurate and timely production reporting within ERP systems.
• Support and maintain compliance with ISO quality systems and internal procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to support production goals and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead initiatives related to workplace organization, preventative maintenance, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and drive performance in a fast-paced production setting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, including production processes, maintenance, and quality systems.
• Experience managing production metrics, budgets, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and experience enforcing safety programs and policies.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with a data-driven approach.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building abilities.
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in nonwoven manufacturing processes such as fiber processing, forming, bonding, or finishing.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance.
• Experience in high-volume or continuous manufacturing environments.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Operational excellence
• Safety and compliance focus
• Data-driven decision making
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures and production conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift materials as needed.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as required to support production needs.