SUMMARY

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all day-to-day production operations, ensuring efficient workflow, optimal use of resources, and consistent delivery of quality products on schedule. This role drives Lean practices, 5S, and continuous improvement throughout the production area while providing strong leadership, clear direction, and accountability across the team. The Production Manager oversees production performance, materials flow, scheduling adherence, and inventory to support operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead daily production operations, ensuring all work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules.

Develop, communicate, and maintain the production schedule in partnership with planning, purchasing, and customer service.

Ensure clear communication of priorities, schedule updates, and production expectations across all shifts.

Drive Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, Kaizen, waste reduction, and visual management to improve productivity and workflow.

Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize equipment utilization, reduce downtime, and streamline processes.

Provide strong, hands-on leadership to production teams, setting expectations, coaching performance, and fostering a culture of accountability.

Monitor work progress, resolve bottlenecks, and make real-time adjustments to meet delivery commitments.

Use advanced Excel skills to support scheduling, capacity planning, metrics tracking, labor planning, and production reporting.

Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality to address equipment issues, improve reliability, and resolve production concerns.

Ensure inventory accuracy by coordinating material movements, WIP controls, and proper usage of raw materials.

Partner with leadership to forecast staffing needs and ensure proper allocation of personnel to support production requirements.

Conduct daily Gemba walks to evaluate performance, verify standard work adherence, and identify improvement opportunities.

Develop and deliver training to employees to reinforce standard work, safety expectations, Lean principles, and job proficiency.

Maintain compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping expectations, and workplace organization standards (5S).

Communicate operational status, challenges, and results to leadership and key stakeholders.

Support policy and procedure improvements to strengthen operational consistency and efficiency.

Other projects and/or responsibilities as directed by the plant manager.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This role directly supervises Shift Supervisors and may have indirect oversight of production associates, leads, or support personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Production Management, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong capability.

Minimum of 1--3 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.

Proven leadership ability with demonstrated success in team development, coaching, and motivating employees.

Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement concepts and tools.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, XLOOKUP, charts, data analysis).

Experience in production scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory control.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to act decisively in fast-paced environments.

Preferred Qualifications

APICS CPIM or similar Production & Inventory Management certification.

Additional training in Lean methodologies or proven experience leadi

TN Michigan, LLC

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Production Manager