Production Manager Job at Dakotaland Manufacturing in Watertown

Overview

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The Production Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all production operations, including machining, fabrication, assembly, and logistics. This role ensures that manufacturing processes consistently meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. The Production Manager collaborates cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure efficient production flow and alignment with customer requirements. The role also plays a key part in developing frontline leaders and maintaining adherence to company Vision, Mission, and Values, with UPSCALE as the foundation.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are those tasks, duties, and responsibilities that comprise the means of accomplishing the job’s purpose and objectives. Essential functions are critical or fundamental to the performance of the job. They are the major functions for which the person in the job is held accountable.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Ensure a safe and compliant workplace by enforcing company policies, leading safety initiatives, and conducting risk assessments.
• Drive quality standards and compliance with ISO 9001, customer-specific requirements, and applicable industry standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions to ensure continuous improvement in quality outcomes.

Production Planning and Execution

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer demand, delivery commitments, and inventory goals.
• Translate customer and operational requirements into executable shop floor plans.
• Monitor throughput, bottlenecks, and WIP levels; adjust schedules to optimize flow and minimize downtime.

Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing

• Lead Lean initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, SMED, VSM) to eliminate waste and improve productivity.
• Track and improve KPIs such as OEE, scrap rates, setup times, and on-time delivery.
• Standardize processes, visual management, and work instructions across production areas.

Leadership and People Development

• Directly manage and coach production supervisors and shop-floor teams.
• Promote a high-performance culture through accountability, recognition, and development.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, cross-training, and succession planning within the production team.
• Lead daily/weekly performance review meetings to align priorities and resolve issues.

Equipment, Maintenance, and Tooling

• Oversee preventive maintenance and reliability programs for all production equipment.
• Manage tooling budgets, procurement, and lifecycle monitoring.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering to minimize unplanned downtime.

Materials and Inventory Management

• Collaborate with Purchasing and Materials to maintain material availability and optimize flow.
• Balance inventory levels to achieve service goals while minimizing carrying costs.

Customer Collaboration and Project Support

• Partner with program management and engineering on feasibility of production changes and new product introductions.
• Respond to customer inquiries on lead times, production status, and after-sales support.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate metrics, SOPs, and production records.
• Provide regular updates on KPIs, risks, and corrective actions to leadership.

Education and Training Requirements

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or related field.

Work Experience

• 5+ years in manufacturing with 2+ years in a supervisory/managerial role.
• Strong technical background in machining and fabrication processes.
• Experience with ISO 9001, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean practices and leading Kaizen events.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling tools.

Preferred Experience

• Industry background in aerospace, automotive, medical device, or heavy machinery.
• Knowledge of AWS/ASME welding standards.
• Familiarity with CNC programming or collaboration with programming teams.
• Exposure to automation and robotics in manufacturing.

Performance Metrics (examples)

• On-time delivery performance
• OEE and equipment uptime
• Scrap and rework rates
• Setup/changeover efficiency
• Inventory accuracy and material flow
• Employee engagement and retention
• Safety incident and near-miss rates

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (8+ hours).
• Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• Manual dexterity for machine operation and tooling.
• Adequate vision for precision inspections (corrected or uncorrected).
• Tolerance for noise and manufacturing environment, with PPE.

Competencies

• Safety-first mindset and customer focus - Ensuring a culture of risk prevention while consistently meeting customers’ expectations.
• Leadership and Team Development - Ability to lead, coach, and develop teams to achieve high performance and growth.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems efficiently; Gathers and analyzes information; Develops solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason.
• Communication and Teamwork - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment.
• Motivation and Results-Oriented - Sets and achieves goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Project and Time Management - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to handle frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Work Environment

• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.