What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Production Manager position at tpcengineeringholdingsllc?
Position Overview
603 Manufacturing is a high-reliability cable and harness manufacturer serving space, aerospace, and defense customers. We build mission-critical hardware where workmanship, documentation discipline, and on-time delivery are non-negotiable.
Position Summary
The Assistant Production Manager is a highly hands-on leadership role responsible for driving daily execution on the production floor. This is not a desk-based or strategic position. This role exists to ensure work flows, problems get solved in real time, and production commitments are met.
This individual reports to the Production Manager and serves as the primary driver of day-to-day floor execution, leading coordinators, supervisors, and cell leads while maintaining a constant presence on the floor.
Key Responsibilities
• Be physically present on the production floor throughout the day, driving execution and maintaining flow
• Lead, coach, and hold accountable Lead Production Coordinators, Supervisors, and Cell Leads
• Identify and remove production blockers in real time (materials, tooling, labor, documentation)
• Partner closely with the Planning team to align priorities, adjust to changes, and ensure the floor is working the right jobs at the right time
• Lead the daily Gemba walk, driving accountability across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity (SQDIP)
• Capture issues during Gemba and ensure rapid follow-up and closure
• Act as the first line of escalation for production issues
• Coordinate with Planning, Materials, Quality, and Engineering to resolve issues quickly
• Ensure jobs are progressing according to schedule and priority
• Monitor WIP and actively manage flow across all stages of production
• Balance labor across work cells based on demand and constraints
• Reinforce standard work and ensure operators are following defined processes
• Support and reinforce visual management systems and daily production meetings
• Drive adherence to Lean manufacturing principles, including 6S and continuous improvement
Qualifications
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in electronic assembly, preferably cable and harness assembly
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (required)
• Prior experience leading or supervising production teams
• Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Gemba practices, and 6S principles
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with Planning/scheduling teams
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production issues and drive resolution quickly
• Experience working directly on the shop floor (not just office-based roles)
• Ability to read and understand work instructions, drawings, and build documentation
• Strong communication and leadership skills across production, engineering, materials, and planning
What This Role Is
• A hands-on floor leader with real ownership of execution
• The driver of daily production flow and accountability
• The leader of Gemba discipline and follow-through
• The bridge between Planning and the production floor
• The right hand to the Production Manager
What This Role Is Not
• Not a desk job
• Not a purely administrative or reporting role
• Not a long-term strategic or planning-focused position
Success in This Role Looks Like
• Gemba walks are structured, consistent, and lead to real issue resolution
• Planning and production are aligned with minimal priority conflicts
• Supervisors and coordinators are aligned, accountable, and proactive
• Production moves without constant escalation
• Problems are identified early and closed quickly
• The floor is organized, flowing, and predictable
• Daily output improves through better coordination and fewer delays
About 603 Manufacturing
Located in Hudson, NH, 603 Manufacturing, a Trexon company, opened for business in 1998. We are an awarded manufacturer of cable assemblies and electro-mechanical assemblies. 603 Manufacturing is truly a diversified contract manufacturer, servicing the Defense, Aerospace, Industrial, Medical & Commercial industries. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including a 9/80 work schedule.
603 Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 603 Manufacturing is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.