Production Manager – Manufacturing Operations

Smardt • Phoenix, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations within the Phoenix manufacturing facility to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing execution. This role drives operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development while supporting the successful ramp-up and ongoing growth of a fast-paced greenfield manufacturing operation. The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong experience in production management, Lean manufacturing, workforce development, and operational continuous improvement. The Production Manager will partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to establish scalable manufacturing processes and build a high-performance production culture aligned with Smardt’s operational objectives.

Requirements

• 7–10 years of manufacturing operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 3–5 years leading production teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations strongly preferred.
• Experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, fabricated products, or engineered manufacturing environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• ERP/MRP systems experience
• KPI dashboard development and operational reporting
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and industrial safety systems
• Root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone, A3)
• Production planning and scheduling systems

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations
• Experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, fabricated products, or engineered manufacturing environments

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide all operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness
• Design and implement the manufacturing strategy alongside the annual budget process.
• Develop and manage the master production schedule and operational budgets, ensuring products are delivered on schedule, within budget, and at the desired quality.
• Foster a continuous improvement mindset by focusing on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and talent development.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to direct reports and team members, building a high-performing workforce that drives ongoing improvement and value creation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate closely with product line management, engineering, service, and other departments to integrate best practices into the manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate and participate in preventative and corrective maintenance activities for production support equipment, compressed air systems, HVAC, cranes/hoists, and facility utilities
• Collaborate closely with EHS Manager to ensure facility compliance with OSHA requirements, building codes, and fire safety regulations
• Participate in the EHS committee to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness, health, safety, and responsible behaviors
• Support facility safety inspections and maintain required certifications
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams on factory startup and ongoing operational requirements
• Support production needs for facility modifications, layout changes, and infrastructure improvements
• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including: 5S, Kaizen events, Standard work, Visual management, Root cause analysis, Waste elimination
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.
• Support implementation of scalable manufacturing systems and best practices during facility growth.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly production employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training initiatives to build a skilled manufacturing workforce.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and operational ownership.
• Drive employee engagement and retention through effective communication and leadership presence on the production floor.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and succession planning activities.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Health and Dental Benefits from day one.
• 401K matching program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager