Production Department Manager

Wright Manufacturing Inc • Ballenger Creek, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Wright Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Production Department Manager to lead our Weld Department supporting the fabrication and production of commercial lawn mowers. This position is responsible for the safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and development of a two-shift welding operation consisting of more than 50 employees. The Production Department Manager provides leadership through two Group Leaders and eight Team Leaders and is responsible for establishing clear expectations, developing frontline leadership, maintaining production flow, and driving continuous improvement throughout the department. This role requires a strong manufacturing leader who is comfortable spending significant time on the production floor, developing people, solving problems, improving processes, and holding the organization accountable to measurable results.

Requirements

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience in welding, fabrication, metalworking, or a related production environment.
• 3+ years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a sizable hourly workforce through frontline supervisors or team leaders.
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple shifts and adjust working hours when necessary to support second-shift operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with manufacturing commercial power equipment, automotive products, heavy equipment, or similar fabricated products.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, standard work, visual management, root-cause analysis, and continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Experience with robotic welding or automated welding systems.
• Experience with ERP/MRP and manufacturing performance-management systems.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities across two shifts to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Ensure staffing, equipment, materials, and production priorities are aligned with the manufacturing schedule.
• Directly lead, coach, and develop the department’s two Group Leaders, while establishing clear expectations for line Team Leaders.
• Build the leadership capabilities of Group Leaders and Team Leaders so that daily accountability occurs at the appropriate level.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, urgency, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure fabricated and welded components consistently meet Wright Manufacturing’s quality standards and specifications.
• Lead continuous-improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, flow, labor efficiency, and cost.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, ventilation systems, and supporting equipment are properly maintained.
• Support preventive-maintenance activities and help reduce unplanned downtime.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to improve welding processes, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods.
• Support the introduction of new products, equipment, processes, and engineering changes into the Weld Department.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance and long term disability
• Health Savings Accounts/Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 4% of your contribution with full vesting upon eligibility
• Paid Leaves starting at 80 hours per year + 40 hours of paid sick time
• 8 PAID Holidays
• Voluntary Short-term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Weekly pay checks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree