Production Manager

Soprema • Ennis, TX

1d

About The Position

The Production Manager leads and manages all production activities, ensuring safe and efficient manufacturing while meeting quality standards, production targets, and customer requirements. The role drives operational excellence through leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The manager oversees daily production operations, staffing, production schedules, performance, safety, quality, process control, and cost management. The position also supervises and develops production leads and operators, supports training and cross-training, monitors production KPIs, addresses operational issues, and partners with the Quality, Engineering, QHSE, and Plant Manager teams. The role operates in a 24/7 manufacturing environment and may require availability for off-hours calls or emergencies.

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience in a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of continuous extrusion processes and industrial manufacturing operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and environmental regulations.
• Understanding and practice of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Regularly able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
• Ability to operate production equipment and machinery when needed.
• Ability and willingness to be available for off-hours calls or emergencies due to 24/7 production operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to meet output, quality, and cost targets.
• Conduct Gemba walks to observe operations, reinforce standards, identify risks, and drive corrective actions.
• Monitor and optimize process parameters for stable operations and consistent product quality.
• Analyze machine downtime and scrap trends and address issues through corrective actions.
• Ensure effective shift coverage and coordination across 24/7 production schedules.
• Learn basic requirements of all production positions and provide coverage when needed.
• Accurately and promptly validate manufacturing orders in the ERP system.
• Maintain appropriate daily staffing levels for efficient production.
• Supervise, coach, and develop production leads and operators; establish expectations, goals, and accountability.
• Support training, qualification, and cross-training of production personnel.
• Evaluate employee performance and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Foster teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement within the production team.
• Review and approve employee time off, sick leave, and reported work hours.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies.
• Ensure safe practices for PPE, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and chemical handling.
• Collaborate with the QHSE Manager and Plant Manager on safety initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Promote safety culture and maintain housekeeping and organizational standards on the production floor.
• Ensure products comply with specifications, procedures, and quality standards.
• Partner with Quality to address non-conformances, customer complaints, and process deviations.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective and preventive actions.
• Create, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures.
• Execute production plans to meet customer demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Prepare and manage the production schedule when the planner is absent.
• Communicate production constraints, risks, and priorities to the Plant Manager.
• Identify and lead improvements in yield, throughput, scrap reduction, and labor productivity.
• Support Lean manufacturing, problem-solving, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Assist the Engineering team with capital and equipment-related projects.
• Assist with managing costs and the department budget.
• Track and report production KPIs, using data to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Create, implement, and monitor action plans for objectives that are not meeting targets.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Plant Manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree