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Overview
We are seeking an experienced Sr. Production Manager to lead and oversee multi-shift manufacturing operations. In this role, you will guide Production Managers and their teams to achieve key performance indicators across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity.
This leader will play a critical role in developing a world-class manufacturing culture built on continuous improvement, Lean methodology, standardized work, and frontline team empowerment.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership
- Promote a culture where Safety and Stability are the highest priorities.
- Lead Production Area Managers across Welding, Machine Shop, Paint, and Assembly.
- Ensure effective spans of control through Production Managers, Group Leaders, and Team Leaders.
- Develop leaders through coaching, standardized work, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Build a “Stop, Call, Wait” culture to address abnormalities quickly and drive root-cause problem-solving.
- Develop Skills Matrices and training plans; partner with HR on new-hire onboarding.
Production & Performance Management
- Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly production targets are met.
- Collaborate with Scheduling Teams to set and execute production plans.
- Minimize overtime by ensuring proper staffing and capacity planning.
- Track KPIs and drive action plans for improvement.
- Ensure standardized work is audited and adhered to across the facility.
- Promote Visual Factory principles and maintain 5S across all areas.
- Lead daily Gemba walks, maintain area boards, and track issues through resolution.
- Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Inventory Leaders.
Capacity Planning
- Evaluate 3-, 6-, and 12-month capacity needs based on demand forecasting.
- Maintain and update the plant capacity model.
- Develop staffing budgets and workforce plans for all production departments.
- Present capacity plans during SIOP meetings and collaborate on constraint mitigation.
Continuous Improvement
- Drive Lean and Continuous Improvement initiatives across operations.
- Coach leaders and frontline teams in Lean tools and methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, standardized work, etc.).
- Lead cost-reduction and efficiency-improvement projects.
- Promote a “learn by doing” culture focused on small, incremental improvements.
Must-Have Qualifications
- 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
- Strong experience leading multi-shift operations
- Proven background implementing Toyota Production System (TPS) or Lean Manufacturing (7–10 years minimum)
- Experience with high-mix / low-volume production environments
- SAP proficiency
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Supervisory experience managing Production Managers and large teams
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
- Ability to manage diverse workforces and maintain a flexible schedule
Preferred Qualifications
- Six Sigma certification (Green Belt / Black Belt)
- Experience using Kanban, JIT, 5S, Kaizen leadership, and other Lean methods
- Demonstrated success improving throughput, reducing waste, and lowering defect rates
- Experience with SPC (Statistical Process Control) and data-driven decision making
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related fields preferred)