Production & Process Improvement Manager

BLACK DIAMOND COATINGS INC•Brooksville, FL

56d

About The Position

The Production & Process Improvement Manager leads all manufacturing operations and drives continuous improvement across BDC’s production systems. This role ensures that production goals are met with excellence in safety, quality, efficiency, and teamwork. You will coach and develop the Production Supervisor and Team Leads, establish consistent processes, and use data to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. This position leads cross-functional improvement initiatives supporting BDC’s ISO 9001 certification, ERP utilization, and 5S implementation. The ideal candidate is hands-on, highly analytical, and thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where collaboration and accountability drive success. This is a critical operations leadership position with plenty of opportunity for growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
5+ years of progressive experience in production or manufacturing management.
Proven experience leading Lean/5S, ISO 9001, or process improvement initiatives.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to coach and influence cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated success improving production metrics and implementing standard work systems.
Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel (data analysis, dashboards).
Strong problem-solving, project management, and organizational abilities.

Nice To Haves

Chemical or coatings manufacturing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day production operations, ensuring throughput, efficiency, and on-time order fulfillment.
Develop and maintain the master production schedule in alignment with sales forecasts and inventory requirements.
Oversee the Production Supervisor and Team Leads, providing coaching, performance feedback, and development.
Monitor production KPIs (output, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency) and use data to guide improvement.
Ensure adherence to safety standards, housekeeping (5S), and company operating procedures.
Collaborate with Supply Chain & Logistics Manager to ensure raw materials and packaging are available to meet schedule requirements.
Lead and sustain 5S initiatives to create organized, safe, and efficient work areas.
Partner with the Quality Control Supervisor and R&D Technical Director to implement and maintain ISO 9001-compliant processes.
Champion ERP system adoption across production for scheduling, materials tracking, and reporting.
Conduct root cause analysis for process and equipment issues, driving corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Identify and execute continuous improvement projects that reduce waste, improve cycle time, and enhance productivity.
Standardize work instructions, SOPs, and visual management tools for all production areas.
Partner with the Quality Control Supervisor to ensure in-process inspections and testing meet product specifications.
Collaborate with the Supply Chain & Logistics Manager on production planning, material flow, and inventory control.
Partner with the Maintenance Supervisor to coordinate equipment readiness, preventative maintenance schedules, and production downtime planning.
Communicate production priorities, performance metrics, and challenges to leadership.
Support the Technical Director on product scale-up and process validation projects for new formulations or packaging.
Build a high-performance production culture that embodies BDC’s Core Values — excellence, teamwork, integrity, and tenacity.
Develop team capability through training, coaching, and performance management.
Model safety-first behavior and ensure all employees work safely and efficiently.
Promote a fun, positive, and respectful work environment where employees are engaged and empowered.