Production Manager - Coatings Machine Shop

Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions LLC • Chesapeake, VA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager is responsible for directing all manufacturing operations at the Virginia facility, ensuring that production teams deliver high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. This position leads and develops multiple shifts within the Coatings and/or Machining industries, translates customer requirements into repeatable processes, and champions a culture aligned with Kymera’s core values. The Production Manager is accountable for all aspects of safety, quality, productivity, customer satisfaction, and employee development across production.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Machining, Engineering, or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 10 years in a Machine Shop or Thermal Spray environment.
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role in production, operations, or customer service.
• Valid Driver's license
• Strong customer focus and mechanical problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to interpret engineering part/assembly drawings and GD&T.
• Effective time management, organizational skills, and task prioritization.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a hands-on production environment and adjust hours or travel based on operational needs.
• Competency in continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, 5S, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret variance analysis reports for corrective actions.
• Effective decision-making and team-building abilities.
• Experience with EH&S initiatives and robotic automation processes.
• Enthusiastic and solutions-oriented approach to team and customer challenges.
• Must be adaptable to the dynamic nature of a small but growing company and work across multiple functional areas as needed.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to work in a production environment, including standing, walking, climbing, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting up to 50lbs.
• Ability to Travel (<25%): some domestic and international travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead production teams in achieving quality, safety, throughput, and customer satisfaction goals.
• Develop performance metrics, evaluate team performance, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure comprehensive training and development programs for all production staff; lead career development planning for Team Leaders and production employees.
• Establish and evaluate personal performance standards for all team members.
• Foster a team culture aligned with Kymera’s core values and drive employee engagement.
• Oversee production planning to ensure resource allocation meets both short- and long-term demand.
• Monitor production metrics (e.g., turnaround time, throughput, productivity, cycle time, safety) and implement data-driven recommendations for improvement.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts, including root cause analysis, process optimization, and adoption of new technologies or methods.
• Review and address warranty reports, corrective action reports (CARs), and non-conformance reports (NCRs); lead implementation of sustainable solutions.
• Manage staffing for after-hours and urgent work, ensuring customer needs are met at all times.
• Ensure adherence to safety policies and regulatory documentation in the event of an accident; oversee return-to-work plans and modified duty offerings.
• Maintain strict 5S standards and clean, organized work environments.
• Ensure preventative maintenance programs are assigned and followed according to schedule.
• Maintain ISO 9001 and QP6/QP1 compliance; document and communicate process changes in coordination with the QA team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and flexible PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

What This Job Offers

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