?Job Title: MANUFACTURING Production Manager
Job Description
The Production Manager leads daily manufacturing operations in a low-volume, high-mix environment, overseeing production personnel, labor allocation, and production performance to ensure quality, safety, and output goals are consistently achieved. This role plays a central part in launching and ramping up a new patcher vehicle production line, building processes from the ground up, and creating a sustainable operational structure as the line grows. The successful candidate combines hands-on manufacturing leadership with strong operational management skills, owning key performance metrics while developing, coaching, and retaining a high-performing production team.
Responsibilities
Lead and oversee daily production operations within a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.
Manage production personnel, including approximately 20 employees per production line and 2-3 direct reports.
Allocate labor and adjust staffing levels based on changing production demand and project priorities.
Own and track key production KPIs and operational metrics to drive performance, efficiency, and accountability.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to supervisors and production employees to build a strong, engaged team.
Drive production performance by setting clear expectations, following up on results, and addressing performance issues promptly and constructively.
Support new product introductions and the implementation of new production lines, including the new patcher vehicle product line.
Help design, document, and improve production processes, work instructions, and workflows rather than only following existing directions.
Identify, plan, and execute continuous improvement and process improvement initiatives across the production floor.
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and production standards, including adherence to manufacturing best practices and applicable procedures.
Coordinate multiple projects and production priorities simultaneously in a dynamic, project-based environment.
Create and maintain structure, processes, and accountability across the production floor to support consistent, repeatable performance.
Collaborate with purchasing and inventory planning functions to ensure materials and components are available according to production plans.
Use ERP software and basic office tools to plan production, track progress, and communicate updates.
Work closely with leadership to align production plans with organizational goals and to provide clear visibility into line performance.
Contribute to building and shaping team culture, emphasizing ownership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Support fabrication, welding, and chassis-related production activities as needed within an agricultural and industrial equipment manufacturing environment.
Participate in or lead projects related to process improvement, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and developing production team members to support growth and maintain stable operations.
Essential Skills
Production management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Prior experience managing manufacturing teams, including leading 12 or more employees in a production setting.
Experience overseeing approximately 20 employees per production line and managing 2-3 direct reports.
Experience managing production lines and manufacturing operations in a plant or factory environment.
Strong understanding of production KPIs and operational metrics, with a track record of owning and improving them.
Experience with manpower planning, labor allocation, and flexing staffing levels based on production demands.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and retain employees while managing diverse personalities and driving performance.
Demonstrated process improvement and continuous improvement experience within manufacturing.
Experience with production planning and scheduling.
Project management experience related to manufacturing or production operations.
Experience launching new products or implementing new manufacturing processes and production startups.
Hands-on manufacturing leadership style, comfortable working on the floor and closely engaging with production teams.
ERP software operational experience for production planning, tracking, or reporting.
Proficiency with basic office tools, including the ability to use Excel to manipulate spreadsheets and email for communication.
Strong organizational skills to structure production activities, prioritize projects, and coordinate multiple initiatives.
Ability to create, refine, and communicate clear work instructions and production processes rather than only relaying instructions from others.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Agricultural equipment manufacturing experience.
Heavy equipment, machinery, or industrial manufacturing experience.
Experience in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments.
New product launch or production startup experience, particularly in complex or custom equipment.
Lean manufacturing experience and familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma.
Technical or manufacturing-related education.
Background in engineering, fabrication, or related disciplines, ideally with exposure to purchasing coordination or working closely with purchasing and inventory planning.
Experience in fabrication, welding, chassis work, or similar manufacturing processes.
Experience with operations management and engineering management in a manufacturing setting.
Comfort working in agricultural or mechanical environments, including ag or ag mechanical backgrounds.
Experience with recruiting, developing, and building production teams.
Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and structured manufacturing processes.
Ability to organize production on the floor, assign priorities to projects, and maintain clear production flow.
Comfort wearing multiple hats, including aspects of operations, continuous improvement, and project management.
Work Environment
The role is based in an agricultural equipment manufacturing environment focused on low-volume, high-mix production rather than high-volume assembly. The facility completes approximately 80 units or projects per month, providing a mix of custom or complex builds and operational variety. A new patcher vehicle production line is being introduced, giving the incoming Production Manager the opportunity to help establish production processes, flow, and structure from the outset. The environment emphasizes hands-on leadership, where the Production Manager spends significant time on the production floor working closely with teams and processes. The position involves collaboration with fabrication, welding, chassis, and other manufacturing operations, and requires comfort managing both people and production performance. A manufacturing Background is strongly preferred , as success in this environment comes from individuals who enjoy building structure, driving accountability, and leading teams through growth and operational change.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Fresno, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $110000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Full benefits once direct with the company.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Fresno,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
