Manufacturing Manager

Pride Engineering•Brooklyn Park, MN

19d•$100,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader who can strengthen daily execution while building the systems, talent, and continuous improvement discipline needed to support Pride Engineering’s long-term growth. The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations at Pride Engineering, ensuring the safe, efficient, and profitable production of high-quality tooling, components, and equipment that support the global can making industry. This role oversees manufacturing engineering, machining, inspection, assembly, and related production support functions. This position is responsible for balancing day-to-day operational requirements with long-term strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and employee engagement. This position reports to the General Manager and works closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Field Service teams to achieve business objectives and deliver exceptional customer value.

Requirements

8-10 years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience with demonstrated success in a manufacturing environment.
Significant experience leading or managing a precision machine shop is strongly preferred.
Experience managing CNC Turning, Milling, and Grinding operations, production scheduling, capacity planning, workforce development, quality systems, and equipment maintenance.
Experience within precision manufacturing, tooling, engineered components, metalworking, industrial equipment, or custom capital equipment environments preferred.
Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance.
Proven leadership experience managing supervisors and manufacturing teams in a production environment.
Experience with materials management, production control, inventory management, or procurement processes preferred.
Strong understanding of precision machining, manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and production operations.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, root-cause analysis, standard work, 5S, visual management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong business acumen with knowledge of manufacturing finance, budgeting, and operational performance management.
Track record of partnering cross-functionally with purchasing, shipping, customer service, and operations teams to meet customer requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and drive employee engagement.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to achieving operational excellence.
Must be willing to work extended hours as required to support business and production needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related discipline preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Champion a culture of safety throughout the organization and ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Lead continuous improvement of safety practices, risk mitigation efforts, and workplace safety initiatives.
Maintain and continuously improve manufacturing quality systems to ensure products consistently exceed customer requirements and company standards.
Promote problem-solving methodologies and root-cause analysis to drive sustainable corrective actions.
Lead all machine shop and manufacturing operations, including CNC machining, manual machining, assembly, packaging, and related production activities.
Oversee labor utilization and shop order execution to meet customer commitments.
Manage machine shop priorities, workflow, and resource allocation to maximize throughput and operational efficiency.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators for safety, quality, on-time delivery, labor efficiency, machine utilization, setup reduction, scrap, rework, and overall productivity.
Ensure efficient execution of production schedules while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Coordinate preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability initiatives to minimize downtime and maximize production performance.
Develop recommendations for capital equipment investments, technology upgrades, and manufacturing infrastructure improvements.
Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement programs throughout the operation.
Drive efforts to reduce manufacturing costs, improve productivity, shorten lead times, and increase on-time delivery performance.
Implement best practices in standard work, visual management, 5S, process control, and performance measurement.
Partner with Technical Services, team leads, and R&D Engineering to improve manufacturability, machining methods, tooling strategies, work holding, inspection processes, and first-pass yield.
Lead cross-functional initiatives aimed at improving inventory turns, throughput, equipment utilization, and overall operational effectiveness.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development for supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
Establish training and skill-development programs that support employee growth and operational flexibility.
Manage hiring, performance management, succession planning, and workforce development activities.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, teamwork, and employee engagement.
Communicate organizational goals, performance expectations, and operational priorities clearly throughout the manufacturing team.
Develop and execute operating plans, budgets, and capital expenditure projects aligned with business objectives.
Participate in establishing short-term and long-term strategic goals for the business.
Monitor production performance and utilize data-driven decision-making to improve operational results.
Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure alignment on customer requirements, production priorities, and business initiatives.
Provide manufacturing expertise related to capacity planning, product lead times, manufacturability, and cost estimation.
Interface directly with customers and suppliers when necessary to support operational objectives and business growth.