Manufacturing Manager - Indianapolis

READING BAKERY SYSTEMS•Indianapolis, IN

34d•Onsite

About The Position

Reading Bakery Systems is seeking a Manufacturing Manager to lead parts production and new baking equipment builds at its Indianapolis facility. The role leads machining, welding, fabrication, and assembly through department coordinators, supports the development of a growing second shift, and reports directly to the General Manager. It is a hands-on leadership role with regular presence on the manufacturing floor and work in both office and manufacturing settings. The position is primarily day shift, with occasional flexibility to support second shift and availability outside normal day-shift hours. The manager will set production priorities, keep schedules aligned with available people, materials, equipment, and capacity, and address bottlenecks and recovery plans. The role works with Engineering and business partners to improve manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, work instructions, quality, safety, productivity, cost, and delivery. Success is measured through on-time deliveries, smoother production flow, reduced rework, effective resource use, and a stronger team. The Indianapolis team has fewer than 40 people.

Requirements

At least 7 years of industrial manufacturing experience, including 3 years leading production teams, supervisors, coordinators, or department leads.
Experience in parts manufacturing and machinery or equipment assembly; experience in a high-mix, low-volume, custom equipment, or job shop environment is preferred.
Practical knowledge of machining, welding, metal fabrication, fit-up, and mechanical assembly.
Ability to read engineering drawings, dimensional tolerances, bills of material, and manufacturing specifications.
Experience with production scheduling, capacity planning, manufacturing costs, and ERP or MRP systems.
A record of improving quality, productivity, cost, or delivery through practical problem-solving.
Approachable leadership style, clear communication, strong follow-through, and ability to coach people while maintaining accountability.
Bachelor’s degree in a related technical or operations field, or an equivalent combination of technical education, apprenticeship or trade training, and relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with baking equipment, food-processing machinery, or other industrial capital equipment.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics ERP.
Experience with stainless steel fabrication, CNC machining, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tooling, or fixture development.
Experience starting or expanding a second shift.
Experience with lean manufacturing, standard work, manufacturing budgets, or broader site leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead daily production and set priorities across manufacturing functions, supporting department coordinators and safe, efficient work.
Balance parts orders and equipment builds against available staffing, materials, equipment, and capacity; address bottlenecks and coordinate recovery plans.
Help resolve technical challenges in machining, welding, fabrication, fit-up, and mechanical assembly.
Partner with Engineering to improve methods, tooling, fixtures, and work instructions.
Ensure work meets drawings and specifications, establish inspection checkpoints, and resolve recurring defects, scrap, and rework.
Coach coordinators, set expectations, provide constructive feedback, identify training needs, and support hiring and cross-training.
Support second-shift staffing, training, work assignments, and reliable shift handoffs.
Reinforce safe work practices and coordinate equipment maintenance needs.
Improve workflow, labor utilization, overtime, and job performance to support safety, productivity, and cost goals.
Coordinate with Engineering, planning, purchasing, Sales, Customer Care, and shipping.
Keep the General Manager informed of progress, risks, and decisions needed, and provide operational leadership during designated absences.
Work with the General Manager to set practical goals based on business needs and current performance.