Production Manager

Plascon•Traverse City, MI

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Plascon, a manufacturer of specialty plastic packaging for the food service, institutional, and pharmaceutical industries, is seeking a Production Manager in Traverse City, Michigan. The Production Manager plans, organizes, and directs production-floor activities and the work of assigned plant personnel, driving continuous improvement and using resources to achieve safety, production, scrap, and quality goals. The role coordinates with plant support staff on safety and quality training, preventive maintenance implementation, capital forecasting, and annual budgeting. It directly manages Production Supervisors and works with Human Resources on fair and consistent application of personnel policies. The position manages four subordinate supervisors overseeing blown film, packaging conversion, and other assembly operations, as well as Inventory Control Coordinator and Custodial positions. It is accountable for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units, including hiring, training, work assignment, performance appraisal, employee rewards and discipline, and handling complaints and problems in consultation with Human Resources. The role requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience, two to three years of manufacturing management experience, and strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, communication, presentation, and organizational skills. Plastics manufacturing, lean manufacturing, and Global Food Safety Initiative experience are preferred. The employee works in both an office and a production/manufacturing facility and must be available to support a 24/7 operation, including evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Required protective wear includes hair restraints, safety eyewear, and safety footwear, along with compliance with personal protective equipment and clothing guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, or four to six years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two to three years of management experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong leadership abilities.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Good communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business and professional publications, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and present information effectively to groups.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts and apply basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to use computer programs for scheduling, timekeeping, and similar tasks.
In-depth knowledge of ERP systems and their integration with other software and applications.
Ability to perform the essential duties, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to support a 24/7 operation and work evenings, early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to regularly stand, walk, handle or feel objects, reach, talk, and hear; frequently sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Wear hair restraints, safety eyewear, and safety footwear, and follow personal protective equipment and clothing guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience in plastics manufacturing.
Lean manufacturing experience.
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) experience.

Responsibilities

Monitor the production department’s progress toward its goals.
Create policies and procedures that support efficient manufacturing without compromising product safety or integrity.
Work with supervisors and team leads to assign employees and equipment for optimized manufacturing efficiency.
Inspect machines and equipment to ensure operational performance and optimum utilization.
Monitor staffing and communicate future needs and concerns.
Define and recommend manufacturing objectives and develop short- and long-term plans.
Make capital recommendations for budgeting purposes.
Identify and implement cost savings, and monitor and report progress.
Review production and operating reports and resolve operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to minimize costs and prevent delays.
Review production schedules for efficient operation, equipment capability, and maximum production efficiency.
Coordinate new product trials with the Quality department.
Coordinate manufacturing activities to meet product quality and budget specifications.
Review quality data with the Quality Manager to ensure quality standards are maintained.
Ensure safety procedures are trained and enforced.
Keep appropriate parties informed about abnormal or critical situations.
Participate in and support continuous improvement throughout the plant.
Manage the safety team to support training and departmental compliance with safety rules and regulations.
Direct, coordinate, and evaluate production units and the work of subordinate supervisors and other managed positions.
Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; and address complaints and resolve problems in consultation with Human Resources.