What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Stillwell Inc.?
Pay: $60,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
About Us
We are a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in hydraulic systems and components built to perform in real-world conditions. With a focus on American-made quality, we combine engineering precision with hands-on craftsmanship. Our team values grit, accountability, and continuous improvement. We operate lean and move fast, and we’re looking for leaders who thrive in that kind of environment.
The Opportunity
The Production Manager will oversee and coordinate day-to-day production operations across multiple departments. This role ensures workflow efficiency, production throughput, schedule adherence, product quality, and a safe work environment. The Production Manager will lead supervisors and production teams, support continuous improvement initiatives, and help drive alignment between operations and company goals.
Key Responsibilities
Production Operations
- Oversee daily production activities, including scheduling, staffing, materials flow, and equipment utilization.
- Ensure production targets (volume, efficiency, on-time delivery) are consistently met while maintaining quality standards.
- Monitor WIP levels, throughput, and bottlenecks; adjust plans proactively to meet customer and internal deadlines.
- Support new product launches and engineering changes through coordination with engineering and other cross-functional teams.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
- Conduct safety audits, enforce safe work practices, and address potential hazards promptly.
Quality Assurance
- Partner with the Quality team to monitor KPIs, reduce defects, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Ensure operators follow work instructions, documentation, and quality standards.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and mentor production supervisors, leads, and line operators.
- Provide coaching, conduct performance evaluations, and develop training plans.
- Foster teamwork, communication, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive process improvements through Lean principles, 5S, Kaizen, and waste-reduction initiatives.
- Identify and implement efficiency improvements that enhance product flow, reduce downtime, and increase consistency.
Cost & Resource Management
- Manage labor planning, overtime, and workflow to control production costs.
- Coordinate with Maintenance to support equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and reduced unplanned downtime.
- Support budget planning and contribute to cost-saving initiatives.
Reporting & Communication
- Track and report production performance metrics, including output, quality, safety, and efficiency.
- Communicate priorities, challenges, and progress to senior leadership.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree preferred (Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field); or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience as a Production Manager, Operations Supervisor, or similar manufacturing leadership role (preferably in metal fabrication, hydraulics, machining, or assembly).
- Demonstrated success leading teams, developing talent, and managing production environments.
- Excellent operational planning skills with experience in scheduling, workflow management, and problem-solving.
- Safety-focused mindset with proven experience managing or supporting safety programs.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead change and work cross-functionally.
- Comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment; highly visible on the shop floor.
- Proficiency with manufacturing systems (ERP/MRP), production reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in hydraulic systems, metal fabrication, machining, or related manufacturing industries.
- Experience with ERP systems.
- Six Sigma certification or equivalent CI credentials.
- Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI).
Working Conditions & Environment
- On-site at the Cleburne, TX facility (not remote).
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and shop floor conditions.
- Occasional overtime or weekend hours may be required to meet production goals or support improvement projects.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary & benefits package
- Paid time off & holidays
- Opportunities for growth and leadership development
- A team culture focused on quality, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement
Location
Cleburne, TX (On-site)
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to relocate to this location if necessary.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $80,000