Production Manager

Job Description: Production Manager

Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications

Position Overview:

The Production Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing manufacturing operations across all facilities to meet customer requirements, delivery schedules, and company performance goals. This role drives day-to-day production activity while ensuring alignment with sales forecasts, inventory targets, and labor availability. The Production Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Quality, Program Management, and Manufacturing—to ensure smooth production flow, manage WIP inventory, and support continuous improvement across operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Must be able to handle ITAR/EAR Technical data as defined in U.S. 22 CFR § 120.33/ 15 CFR § 772.1
• Production Scheduling & Resource Allocation - Develop and manage production schedules by aligning machine and labor resources with customer due dates, open orders, and available capacity across all facilities.
• Forecasting & Order Planning - Consult sales forecasts, pick lists, and inventory reports to determine production sequencing and traveler issuance, adjusting schedules as needed to match shifting priorities.
• Capacity Management - Maintain detailed knowledge of machine availability and labor resources across locations to proactively plan around downtime and optimize throughput.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Coordinate with Program Management, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to review final part releases, incorporate engineering changes, and launch new products into production.
• Performance Reporting & Communication - Monitor production performance and communicate regularly with the Director of Quality and Program Managers to align on delivery expectations, quality metrics, and output status.
• WIP & Inventory Oversight - Track WIP inventory both electronically and physically to maintain optimal part levels, issuing travelers as needed when stock reaches established minimums.
• Engineering Change Integration - Ensure engineering change forms 9both internal and customer-generated0 are reviewed and incorporated into production planning and process travelers.
• New Product Launch Support - Collaborate with Engineering and Programming to develop process travelers for new parts, defining routing and operations to meet customer specifications.
• Team Leadership & Administration - Supervise Production Admin staff, managing hiring, training, disciplinary actions, and overtime approvals while ensuring administrative execution aligns with production priorities.
• Work Instruction Development - Write and update work instructions for production roles and responsibilities, ensuring consistency and clarity across operations.
• Customer & Quality Escalations - Partner with Program Management and Quality to address production-related customer concerns and determine disposition of non-conforming product through the MRB process.
• Supply & Demand Adjustment - Monitor changes in sales forecasts, material supply, and customer priorities to adjust production plans and schedules in real time.
• Process Improvement Support - Promote lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement across departments to drive efficiency and eliminate waste.
• Flexibility & Responsiveness - Adapt work schedule as needed based on customer demand and business capability to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing operations, scheduling, and high-volume production environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered, or 10+ years of experience in production management, including 3+ years in a supervisory role.
• Proficient in ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and production reporting tools.
• Strong understanding of ISO 9001/AS9100D, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, SPC, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Skilled in WIP tracking, process traveler creation, and inventory management.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and decision-making skills with a proactive problem-solving mindset.
• Effective communicator across all levels of the organization; Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Able to manage shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and dynamic production environments while maintaining high standards.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person