Production Manager

IKO North America•Chester, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the successful candidate will lead production operations at the Fiberglass Mat Plant in Chester, SC. This role is responsible for overseeing shift supervisors and process technicians, ensuring safe and efficient operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining process control, and delivering results aligned with plant business objectives. The position plays a key leadership role in advancing operational excellence, process discipline, and team development.

Requirements

Able to work flexible, rotating production shifts 8/10/12 hours
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering preferred or equivalent production leadership experience
12–15 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
Experience with Lean Manufacturing and 5S methodologies
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/maintenance systems (JDE, Maximo, or equivalent)
Strong communication skills across all organizational levels
Ability to mentor, develop, and grow talent
Strong process and financial acumen
Demonstrated ability to motivate and align teams toward operational excellence and continuous improvement
Manual dexterity and attention to detail
Fluent in verbal and written English
Ability to follow direction and specific instructions
Good communication skills
Ability to safely perform heavy lifting up to 50 pounds on a routine basis
Comfortable with standing for extended periods of time
Must be able to work at heights and in confined spaces
Must be able to walk and/or stand 90% of the shift

Nice To Haves

Greenfield or brownfield startup experience preferred
Experience in nonwoven fiberglass mat or paper manufacturing preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team reporting to the Plant Manager
Provide direct leadership to Shift Supervisors and hourly Process Technicians
Mentor direct reports and build an accountable, high-performing production team
Ensure a safe work environment through adherence to safety policies and continuous improvement in safety and housekeeping
Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies
Maintain controlled and capable processes with emphasis on safety, quality, productivity, and environmental compliance
Develop and sustain a process-driven operating structure to ensure consistency across shifts and operators
Partner with Quality Control to ensure finished product meets customer requirements
Optimize utilization of personnel and equipment to maximize productivity and cost effectiveness (JE, OEE, CSF, etc.)
Develop and maintain a trained and motivated workforce aligned with business strategy
Collaborate cross-functionally to support manufacturing improvement programs and One Plant initiatives
Foster a culture of trust, teamwork, open communication, and performance excellence
Demonstrate and promote company core values in daily leadership activities
General housekeeping duties
Additional duties as assigned by Supervisory staff