What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at WALTER USA, LLC?
About the Company
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Walter USA, part of a globally established organization, is expanding its state-of-the-art Solid Carbide Drills facility in Greer, South Carolina—and we want you on our team!
About the Role
We’re hiring a Production Manager for a modern production facility where innovation and precision meet.
Objectives of Position
- Lead daily manufacturing operations with a collaborative, curious, and responsible mindset to deliver exceptional customer value.
- Drive team success through ambitious goals, cross-functional partnerships, and continuous innovation.
- Prioritize safety, integrity, and sustainability while ensuring efficient, high-quality production that meets customer demand.
Requirements of Ideal Candidate
- Education: Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field.
- Experience: 5 years in manufacturing leadership, with at least 3 years as a Production Supervisor or Manager. Proven success in high-volume, customer-driven environments. Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP (SAP, Oracle, Epicor) and MES systems.
- Technical Skills: Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Green Belt ), and continuous improvement frameworks. Strong analytical skills using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools for data-driven decisions. Familiarity with automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 principles.
- Leadership & Mindset: Exceptional communicator skilled in inclusive leadership and change management. Thrives in fast-paced, 24/7 operations and high-stakes accountability. Embodies curiosity, courage, and a relentless drive to deliver customer success.
- Physical & Environmental Requirements: Ability to stand/walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Exposure to noise, machinery, and moderate temperature fluctuations. Flexibility to work off-shifts, weekends, or holidays during emergencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Planning & Execution: Align production schedules with customer demand, inventory needs, and capacity through proactive cross-team collaboration. Anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products. Monitor operations in real time, making data-informed adjustments to maintain flow and efficiency.
- Team Leadership & Development: Inspire and empower leaders and operators by fostering inclusivity, open communication, and shared ownership. Coach team members to challenge assumptions, experiment with improvements, and grow through feedback and learning. Build a high-performing, engaged team that wins together by supporting, challenging, and celebrating collective success.
- Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement: Champion curiosity-driven innovation by questioning existing methods and testing bolder, smarter ways of working. Lead Lean initiatives (e.g., SMED, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping) with a focus on sustainable, long-term gains. Use data and team insights to reduce waste, enhance flow, and elevate equipment reliability.
- Quality & Compliance: Embed customer focus by listening to internal and external feedback and translating it into measurable quality improvements. Uphold rigorous standards (ISO 9001 or equivalent) while acting with integrity and ethical decision-making. Place safety at the forefront—proactively identifying risks, enforcing protocols, and cultivating a zero-harm culture.
- Budget & Cost Control: Own departmental costs with accountability, seeking innovative ways to optimize labor, materials, and resources. Balance efficiency with sustainability, making responsible choices that benefit people, planet, and performance. Report transparently on financial and operational outcomes to build trust and alignment.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Maintenance to launch new products and solve complex challenges. Act as a bridge across functions, borders, and external partners to deliver seamless customer solutions. Seek diverse perspectives to enrich decision-making and drive breakthrough results.