Production Manager

Axalta•High Point, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all Waterborne Manufacturing operations within a paint and coatings production facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting quality, delivery, customer service, and financial objectives. This role oversees Production Supervisors and operators, drives execution of the production schedule, and is accountable for operational performance, workforce development, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate must be a hands-on leader who understands customer demand and aligns labor, equipment, and resources to meet business requirements. This individual serves as the backup for Production Supervisors when needed and ensures contingency plans and leadership coverage are in place to maintain uninterrupted operations. The Production Manager is expected to maintain a strong presence on the production floor, establish clear expectations, drive accountability, and take ownership of results until the work is completed. Beyond day-to-day operations, this role is responsible for developing talent, building a high-performing team, and driving a culture of ownership, teamwork, urgency, and continuous improvement. The Production Manager partners closely with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Warehouse, and EHS teams to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize costs, and support the long-term success of the operation.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive production background in a manufacturing environment, preferably paint, coatings, chemicals, or process manufacturing.
Leadership experience.
Strong knowledge of batch manufacturing processes, safety programs, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Proven leadership, problem-solving, communication, and team development skills.
Experience with SAP ERP systems and production planning processes.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple shifts.
Execute production schedules to meet customer service, quality, and delivery requirements.
Allocate labor, equipment, and resources to maximize safety, productivity, and efficiency.
Provide leadership, coaching, and development for Production Supervisors and operators.
Serve as the operational backup for supervisors and ensure appropriate coverage plans are in place.
Monitor and improve KPIs including productivity, schedule adherence, OEE, RFT, yield, and cost performance.
Drive Lean Manufacturing, 5S, waste reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve operational issues and improve plant performance.
Develop and execute plans to improve capacity, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, safety, and operational excellence.