Manufacturing Production Manager

Smithers-Oasis Career • Kent, OH

3d • $103,000 - $126,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Smithers-Oasis is a diverse global manufacturer and marketer of floral foam and design media, floral accessories, postharvest products, cellular growing media, temperature control packaging, medical impression foam, and custom foams for specialized applications. Our business divisions include OASIS Floral Products, Floralife Postharvest Products, Design Master, OASIS Grower Solutions, Temprecision International, Medical Impression Foam, and Engineered Products. Our business divisions and operating units all have the same goal - to provide solutions-based products and services - and our network of facilities around the world enables Smithers-Oasis to provide these at the local level, yet with a global perspective. For floral markets, that means products reflect local cultural preferences and traditions. From horticultural and postharvest perspectives, we work with suppliers throughout the global supply chain to maximize crop production and protect products from harvest to the point of sale. For our specialty foam divisions, we drive innovation, accept accountability, and are positioned to partner with operations worldwide. At Smithers-Oasis, we are committed to quality and innovation. We are proud to collaborate with our communities to create longstanding, supportive partnerships and customer satisfaction. WHAT WE NEED: We are seeking a lean thinking and process-driven individual to fill the critical role of Production Manager at one of our manufacturing facilities in Kent, OH. Some responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to):

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field is preferred; Or, equivalent relevant experience is required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience operating with Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement practices.
• Strong experience managing teams and holding leaders accountable to performance metrics.
• Proven ability to drive productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication and leadership skills with all organizational levels.
• Must have strong people-management skills and ability and willingness to handle difficult employee conduct, policy and performance issues.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading cultural change toward operational excellence.
• Experience with successfully implementing Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement practices.
• Previous experience working with QMS systems, ISO and GMP practices is strongly preferred.
• Lean certification (Lean Leader, Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt).
• Background in high‑mix, high‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and performance dashboards.

Responsibilities

• People Leadership & Development Support and lead by example by living the Core Values of the organization.
• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and frontline employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure clear expectations, regular feedback, and ongoing skill development.
• Conduct communications meetings with employees frequently and as required.
• Directs activities in a manner so that Smithers-Oasis is considered a valuable asset to the community.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Promote a safe and respectful work environment with strong safety discipline.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and operating standards.
• Ensure all personnel managing hazardous wastes are properly trained upon hire and receive training annually within the Shipping/Receiving Docks Champion a proactive safety culture with zero‑incident mindset.
• Implements the RCRA Contingency Plan should a spill or release of hazardous waste occur.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and customer expectations.
• Support audits, certifications, and regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Lean Implementation & Continuous Improvement Lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean Thinking best practices, including: Standard Work 5S and visual management Daily Management Systems Kaizen and waste elimination Coach supervisors and team leads in Lean behaviors, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and eliminate non‑value‑added activities to improve flow, reduce lead time, and increase throughput.
• Operational Performance & Productivity Plan, coordinate, and manage production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
• Drive labor productivity improvements through effective workforce planning, training, and performance management.
• Optimize staffing, schedules, and equipment utilization to align with demand and business priorities.
• Ensure adherence to production plans while adjusting proactively to changing conditions.
• Cost Reduction & Efficiency Identify and execute opportunities to reduce operating costs, including: Labor efficiency Scrap and rework reduction Downtime and waste elimination Material usage and inventory optimization
• KPI Ownership & Performance Management Own and manage Operating Effectiveness KPIs, including but not limited to: Safety performance Quality metrics On‑time delivery / schedule adherence Labor productivity Cost per unit Establish daily, weekly, and monthly performance reviews using visual KPI dashboards.
• Lead corrective actions when performance gaps are identified and ensure countermeasures are sustained.
• Collaboration Partner with Maintenance, Global Technology, and Supply Chain teams to improve equipment uptime and process capability.
• Coordinates with Director of Operations on project assignments for continuous improvement and capital project support.
• Coordinates with Director of Marketing on new product launches and seasonal projects.

Benefits

• A full-time career with a competitive salary and benefit plan options, paid-time off and an immediately vested company-matched 401k plan
• Our company culture places a high value on integrity and trust, respect, collaboration, and a proper work/life balance
• An opportunity to add value to the organization and build strong professional relationships

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees