Production Manager

This position has responsibilities in the area of production management, supervision and additional duties.

Summary Statement:

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Production Manager to oversee all production activities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing production operations, supervising floor staff, ensuring product quality, and maintaining effective communication with vendors, and internal departments such as Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Shipping. The Production Manager will also ensure the shop floor is well maintained, optimizing both processes and culture.

Major Areas of Accountability:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to or inclusive of:

Production Supervision:

1. 1. Lead and supervise the production team to ensure efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations.
   2. Monitor production schedules, workflow, and personnel allocation to meet daily and weekly production targets.
   3. Oversee all aspects of the production process, ensuring compliance with safety standards, quality specifications, and operational procedures.
   4. Resolve production issues in a timely manner, implementing corrective actions when needed.
   5. Procurement of shop supplies and tooling.

Shop Floor Maintenance & Safety:

1. 1. Ensure a clean, organized (5S methodologies), and safe work environment on the shop floor, complying with all workplace safety regulations.
   2. Oversee maintenance staff that are responsible for performing checks on machinery and equipment to ensure optimal efficiency and reliability.
   3. Conduct periodic safety audits and lead safety training programs for production staff.

Collaboration with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Shipping:

1. 1. Collaborate with sales on New Product Initiative (NPI) projects to deliver successful customer outcomes while ensuring efficient and on-time production.
   2. Work closely with the engineering department to implement new processes, technologies, or equipment improvements to enhance production efficiency.
   3. Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure products meet quality standards and assist in the development of corrective actions if defects are found.
   4. Coordinate with the Inventory & Shipping Coordinator to ensure accurate and timely shipments of products to customers.

Staff Development & Training:

1. 1. Provide leadership and guidance to department leads and staff, fostering a motivated, collaborative, and productive team environment, with an emphasis on open communication.
   2. Conduct performance evaluations and identify opportunities for team development, skill improvement, and cross-training.
   3. Ensure all team members are trained in safety protocols, operational procedures, and product standards.
   4. Identify staffing needs and recruit new candidates to ensure production goals are met.

Continuous Improvement:

1. 1. Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency gains across the production floor.
   2. Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma projects to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
   3. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess production performance and implement strategies for improvement.

Business Systems (ERP)

1. 1. Monitor and release the demand for work orders based on the data provided by our ERP system (MRP)
   2. Make suggestions to sales team about any potential conflict in production backlog.
   3. Audit and review work order routings for accuracy. Including but not limited to production rates, work center sequence, proper work center assignments.

Common Performance Standards:

All employees are expected to deal with co-workers, customers and vendors in a positive and respectful way and perform their duties in a safe and effective manner. Certain standards apply to all positions, with some additional standards tailored to departments or job groups. These standards are not repeated here, but may be found in other company publications, such as the Western Spring Employee Handbook, Western Spring Manufacturing Standard Work Instructions, and related documents.

Equipment Used:

• Uses a computer terminal with all Microsoft Office programs, Acumatica web-based ERP and other common software.
• Manlift, Forklift, and other related material handling equipment.
• CNC Machinery, common shop equipment and tools.

Physical Requirements:

Mental Requirements:

Employment Selection Criteria:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, Technical Trades, or related field are preferred.
  (Relevant experience will be considered)

EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years of experience in production supervision, preferably in a manufacturing, fabrication, or similar industrial environments.
  Up to 5 years of relevant non-supervisory experience would be considered (2 years supervisory experience minimum)
• Proven track record of leading teams to meet production and quality goals.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems
  (work order scheduling, production planning, and backlog management).
• Exposure to ISO 9001:2015 Standards, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies, preferred
  (certifications a plus).

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Excellent communication skills to collaborate across departments
  (Sales, Engineering, Quality, Shipping and office staff).
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to coach and develop staff.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, safety regulations, and quality assurance standards.
• Ability to read technical drawings, work orders, and production specifications.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve production issues quickly.
• Uses a computer terminal with all Microsoft Office programs, Web based platforms and other common software.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Hands-on leadership style with a focus on accountability and results.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in driving improvements.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, clean, and efficient shop floor environment.
• Committed to fostering a positive and healthy shop culture that emphasizes teamwork, respect, and accountability.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Mixed Shop Floor and Office environment.
• Full-time position, with occasional overtime required to meet production deadlines.
• Must be flexible to work production shifts and weekends as necessary.

Note: Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. Management retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.