Production Manager

Children's Factory • Union, MO

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At Children's Factory, the Production Manager leads the manufacturing operation, focusing on safety, quality, efficiency, and financial performance. This role involves developing a high-performing team and fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The manager will drive measurable results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, making a visible and lasting impact. Responsibilities include leading daily production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, monitoring performance metrics, championing a strong safety culture, and developing and empowering the production team. The role also involves translating financial goals into action through labor planning and resource allocation, partnering cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations, and leading continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles. The Production Manager is expected to communicate clearly with leadership and cross-functional teams and foster a positive, collaborative environment. On a daily basis, the manager will be visible on the production floor, solving problems, removing barriers, motivating teams, and ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Technology, or a related field.
• 3 to 5 or more years of experience in manufacturing or production, including at least 2 years leading multiple production lines.
• Experience applying lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of business, finance, and operational management principles.
• Proven ability to motivate, coach, and develop teams.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on safety and quality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word, and Outlook, along with experience using ERP or manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of safety regulations and quality standards within a manufacturing setting.
• A demonstrated track record of implementing process improvements that increase efficiency and productivity.
• Dependable, present, and engaged.
• Show up prepared, lead by example, and maintain a strong sense of urgency around achieving operational and financial goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets while ensuring schedules are achieved without compromising standards.
• Drive performance through metrics by monitoring output, scrap, downtime, and labor efficiency and taking decisive action to improve results.
• Champion a strong safety culture by enforcing safety policies, conducting daily checks, and leading corrective actions when needed.
• Develop and empower your team by setting clear expectations, coaching supervisors and production staff, and holding teams accountable to high standards.
• Translate financial goals into action by aligning labor planning, resource allocation, and production strategies to meet cost and margin targets.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to minimize downtime, resolve nonconformances, and strengthen overall performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean principles, 5S, standard work, and waste reduction strategies.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with leadership and cross-functional teams regarding production status, challenges, and priorities.
• Foster a positive, collaborative environment where accountability, teamwork, and urgency drive results.
• Be visible on the production floor solving problems, removing barriers, motivating teams, and ensuring operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits

• 12 Paid Holidays: Including Christmas Eve and the Day After Thanksgiving so you can enjoy more time with family.
• Generous PTO Accrual: Because work-life balance matters.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families.
• Volunteer Time Off: Give back to the community while getting paid.
• Generous 401(k) Company Match: Helping you plan for your future.
• Educational Assistance: Invest in your career growth with tuition reimbursement.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month following your date of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees