Production Manager

SSW Advanced Technologies • Newport, TN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager leads daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, cost-effective production of quality products. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role that requires substantial time on the manufacturing floor. The manager works closely with supervisors and maintenance, quality, engineering, and materials teams to meet operational objectives and drive continuous improvement.

The role includes leading production personnel, developing and holding teams accountable, supporting employee engagement and development, and ensuring compliance with company policies, environmental regulations, safety requirements, and applicable laws. The Production Manager also champions Lean Manufacturing practices and supports plant initiatives related to quality systems, customer requirements, and operational improvements. Success requires direct engagement with employees and production processes to address issues firsthand and improve operational performance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Prior experience managing production operations in a high-volume manufacturing facility.
• Demonstrated success leading teams in a hands-on, shop-floor-focused environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with employee development, coaching, performance management, and workforce engagement.
• Understanding of production scheduling, quality systems, inventory control, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and Environmental, Health & Safety requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing reporting systems.
• Ability to spend the majority of the workday actively engaged on the production floor.
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members at all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented approach and commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility to support operational needs, including occasional off-shift coverage.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to work around manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, varying temperatures, noise, and industrial conditions, and to use required PPE in designated areas.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and direction to production personnel to meet safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
• Maintain a strong shop-floor presence, engage with employees, monitor operations, and resolve production issues in real time.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Support the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods.
• Monitor production schedules and staffing requirements to meet customer demand.
• Lead, coach, develop, and hold supervisors and team members accountable for performance expectations.
• Conduct performance evaluations, establish goals, and support employee development and succession planning.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, environmental regulations, safety requirements, and applicable laws.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing practices, including standard work, 5S, visual management, waste elimination, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain communication with cross-functional departments to support plant performance.
• Participate in production meetings and provide updates on operational metrics.
• Support plant initiatives related to quality systems, customer requirements, and operational improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed