Production Manager

Production Manager (Manufacturing, Machining, Heat Treatment)

About the Role:
The Production Manager oversees a defined manufacturing area, ensuring production goals are met with a strong focus on quality, safety, and efficiency. This role involves coordinating people, equipment, and processes to optimize performance across machining and heat treatment operations. The Production Manager drives continuous improvement, team engagement, and operational excellence through effective leadership and hands-on problem-solving in a fast-paced, first-shift production environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate daily production activities to achieve established targets for safety, quality, and delivery.

• Monitor schedules, resource utilization, and workflow to ensure consistent throughput and on-time performance.

• Identify process bottlenecks, troubleshoot issues, and implement sustainable improvements that increase efficiency.

• Supervise and develop machinists, operators, and team leads, fostering collaboration, engagement, and accountability.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance, to resolve production challenges.

• Track and analyze key performance indicators such as output, downtime, scrap, and efficiency to drive data-based decisions.

• Lead and support Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 5S, Kaizen, and waste reduction programs.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies through proactive leadership and regular inspections.

• Promote a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the facility.

Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelors degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years of experience in production or manufacturing leadership, preferably within machining or metalworking environments.

• Strong knowledge of Swiss-type CNC lathes, production planning, and metal fabrication processes.

• Familiarity with ACME screw machines, Batch/IQ furnaces, or heat treatment operations.

• Demonstrated success in identifying process inefficiencies and implementing effective improvement strategies.

• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office, and production scheduling tools.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Proven ability to promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, PartMaker, or CNC programming (G-code, M-code).

• Certification or formal training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.

• Experience managing multi-shift or high-volume operations.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a proactive, hands-on leadership style.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while driving engagement and performance.