Website Summary

Trak group is partnering with a growing manufacturing client seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and lead high-performing production teams. This leadership position is responsible for ensuring production goals are achieved across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity while optimizing processes and developing operational talent.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in high-speed manufacturing, Lean Manufacturing, and production leadership, along with the technical expertise to troubleshoot operational challenges and implement sustainable improvements. Experience in rubber-to-metal manufacturing is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Production Leadership & Operations

• Direct daily manufacturing activities to meet customer requirements and company performance objectives.

• Oversee production operations to achieve established safety, quality, delivery, and productivity standards.

• Coordinate production schedules, staffing, and resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency.

• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support across all production shifts.

• Identify and resolve production issues to minimize downtime and maintain consistent output.

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of production records and operational documentation.

• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to support manufacturing goals and customer expectations.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and productivity.

• Identify and eliminate waste, bottlenecks, and operational constraints.

• Drive process improvements that enhance product quality, reduce downtime, and increase throughput.

• Support optimization of manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies.

• Partner with Facilities Management to coordinate equipment modifications and improvements.

• Identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives through process improvements and employee engagement.

• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions to achieve production goals.

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors and manufacturing teams.

• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability, and operational priorities.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, training, and performance feedback.

• Support hiring, employee development, performance management, and disciplinary processes.

• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performance manufacturing culture.

• Promote teamwork, communication, and employee recognition.

• Develop leadership capabilities within the production organization.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Promote a strong safety culture focused on incident prevention and employee accountability.

• Ensure safety investigations and incident reports are completed accurately and promptly.

• Maintain compliance with established manufacturing quality standards and procedures.

• Support continuous improvement in workplace safety, product quality, and operational performance.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited university required.

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing management or leadership experience.

• Experience leading an entire manufacturing department, production shift, or manufacturing operation.

• Strong knowledge of high-speed manufacturing operations.

• Proven experience managing production teams and developing supervisors.

• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.

• Knowledge of TS16949 quality systems.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing performance metrics, including safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

• Experience improving manufacturing processes, reducing waste, and driving operational efficiency.

• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.

• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify operational issues and implement solutions.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and sense of urgency.

• Ability to lead by example and maintain accountability across production operations.

Preferred

• Rubber-to-Metal manufacturing experience.

• Experience managing high-volume or high-speed production environments.

• Background leading multiple production shifts.

• Experience coordinating equipment modifications and manufacturing process improvements.

• Demonstrated success implementing cost-reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.

• Experience developing Production Supervisors and building leadership succession plans.

• Familiarity with Lean tools and structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Experience supporting quality systems and operational excellence initiatives within automotive manufacturing.