Production Manager

Whippany Actuation Systems•Whippany, NJ

18h•$105,000 - $130,000

About The Position

Whippany Actuation Systems, a fast-paced and innovative aerospace manufacturer specializing in electromechanical actuators for both commercial and military applications, is seeking a strategic, data-driven Production Manager to lead the repair, assembly, and testing operations within our Utility Actuation business unit. As a key operational leader, you will own production performance while building a high-performing, cross-trained workforce. You will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure on-time delivery, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. This is a high-visibility role offering meaningful leadership responsibility, broad cross-functional exposure, and a strong foundation for career growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field
Experience in a manufacturing environment
3 years of progressive leadership experience in production or operations
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coach, provide feedback, and resolve conflict
Proven ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement sustainable process improvements
Authorization to work in the US

Nice To Haves

Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated industries
Demonstrated ability to manage KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost
Familiarity with AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems, including audits and corrective actions
Experience with MRP/ERP systems and shop-floor data collection tools
Demonstrated success in building multi-skilled teams and promoting employee ownership and accountability
Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment and drive projects to completion.
Bias for action. Ability to recognize problems and opportunities. Ability to drive problem resolution and follow through to completion.
Results-oriented. Drives to achieve both short- and long-term goals.
Strong organizational skills - the ability to take notes and maintain data efficiently in a way it is easily accessible at any moment.
Customer focused. Driven to meet the needs of both internal and external customers.
Innovative/Creative - drives to develop proprietary, product-differentiating technologies.
Strong communication, presentation, and technical writing skills.
Ability to handle and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

Ensure work is completed to production plan by scheduling and assigning personnel, identifying resource needs, allocating resources, establishing priorities, monitoring progress, revising schedules, resolving problems, and reporting results of the processing flow on shift production summaries.
Manage labor resources effectively, including scheduling and approval of overtime, to ensure production goals are met while maintaining cost control.
Participate in the development of departmental goals, operational policies, and performance standards, and make recommendations for continuous improvement across assembly operations.
Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures while ensuring assembly spending is within previously set budget (ensuring employees are clocking in/out on time, wearing appropriate PPE, etc.).
Support and foster the growth and development of all direct reports by setting goals in annual performance reviews and determining training schedules.
Resolves personnel and production problems by analyzing data, investigating issues, identifying solutions, and recommending action.
Partners with cross-functional departments—including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations—to coordinate workflow, resolve production issues, support new product introductions, and ensure smooth product flow and on-time delivery.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
ID protection
legal insurance
pet insurance
tuition assistance program
employee assistance program
401K with immediate company match
life insurance
AD&D coverage
short- and long-term disability benefits
generous paid time off including 12 paid holidays, vacation, and sick/personal time