Production Manager

US Conec•Hickory, NC

About The Position

US Conec’s Manufacturing Manager leads and optimizes manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, high-quality production across all shifts. The role provides leadership to Production Engineers, Production Schedulers, Production Supervisors, and Manufacturing Associates, while partnering with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Operations leadership to meet operational and business objectives. The manager oversees production planning, workforce allocation, performance measurement, process improvement, quality-system compliance, manufacturing changes, departmental budgets, and operational capacity. The role also supports suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders with manufacturing and process-related issues.

Requirements

At least 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing, production, assembly, or industrial environment.
Demonstrated experience leading teams across multiple departments and/or shifts.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, workforce management, and continuous improvement principles.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and pivot tables.
Strong Microsoft Word and business reporting skills.
Ability to analyze operational data and drive performance improvements.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present information to employees and leadership teams.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and customer-focused problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
Fluency in written and spoken English.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Science, or a related field.
Experience managing production engineers, schedulers, and manufacturing supervisors.
Background in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
Experience with quality management systems and corrective/preventive action processes.
Experience supporting engineering change management and new product introductions.
Budget management and capital project planning experience.
Knowledge of manufacturing facility layout optimization and material flow strategies.
Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing teams, fostering accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
Provide strategic direction and daily leadership to Production Engineers, Production Schedulers, Production Supervisors, and Manufacturing Associates across multiple shifts.
Oversee production scheduling, workforce planning, staffing levels, labor allocation, and overtime management to meet customer demand and operational goals.
Establish, monitor, and drive KPIs related to productivity, quality, cost, labor efficiency, training compliance, and on-time delivery.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance manufacturing efficiency, throughput, equipment utilization, and overall operational performance.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize production methods, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
Ensure compliance with quality management systems and drive timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
Manage implementation of product, process, and engineering changes within manufacturing operations.
Maintain accurate manufacturing documentation, procedures, and operational records.
Develop and manage departmental budgets and identify cost-reduction and operational-savings opportunities.
Partner with Operations leadership on capital investment planning, capacity expansion, and equipment utilization strategies.
Analyze and improve material flow, work-in-process management, manufacturing layouts, and facility utilization.
Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve production challenges, support customer requirements, and maintain operational excellence.
Provide technical and operational support to suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders on manufacturing and process-related issues.
Communicate production priorities, business objectives, performance results, and organizational initiatives to manufacturing teams.