Production Manager - 3DP
About The Position
The Production Manager for the 3DP service line plans, directs, and coordinates additive manufacturing operations across a designated technology group to achieve Protolabs’ operating objectives. Owning the end-to-end value stream, this role ensures effective pre-build execution— including scheduling and analysis, build preparation, and schedule adherence— and leads all post-build activities— including build processing, final finishing, secondary operations, and inspection. The manager drives on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost performance while overseeing supporting processes such as material management and non-production equipment to ensure successful completion of customer orders.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or an engineering discipline, or equivalent
- At least 4 years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, leading a large team
- At least 8 years’ experience in manufacturing/operations roles
- Significant people management experience
- Able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented work environment
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience with 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing preferred
- Prior experience managing a team of 50+
- Experience with Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques
- Experience working in a Continuous Improvement environment
Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing operations, including staffing, capacity planning, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, safety, quality, maintenance, and cost management.
- Direct, coach, and develop supervisors and high-potential employees to build a strong, engaged workforce.
- Assess capacity needs and implement staffing strategies to attract, retain, and optimize talent.
- Manage labor efficiency, resource allocation, workload, and backlog to meet delivery and financial goals.
- Develop and implement manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety programs, and training initiatives that support operational excellence.
- Oversee budgeting, planning, inventory control, and cost accounting activities within assigned areas.
- Partner with finance and other functions to improve forecasting, planning, and operational performance tools.
- Support the deployment and enhancement of technology solutions that improve manufacturing operations and customer value.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Proto Excellence, process optimization, quality, cost, and delivery performance.
- Recommend capital investments to support operational growth and efficiency.
- Communicate key operational updates and priorities to supervisors and stakeholders.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and total rewards package
- Health Insurance: Traditional OR High Deductible plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Health Savings Account (including employer contributions)
- Dental and Vision
- Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- Paid caregiver leave
- At least 3 weeks of PTO + Wellness + Holiday Pay + Volunteer Hours
- 401k with company match and immediate vest
- Employee Stock Purchase Program at a discounted rate
- Matching grants through Protolabs foundation
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
