POSITION: Production Manager
SUMMARY
The Production Manager is responsible for leading and managing day-to-day manufacturing
operations to ensure production objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in accordance
with quality, cost, and delivery expectations. This position provides leadership and direction to
Production Supervisors and employees, manages staffing and production resources, monitors
performance, and drives continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing operation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead day-to-day production operations to achieve established safety, quality,
productivity, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Establish, monitor, and communicate production performance expectations and key
performance indicators.
• Provide leadership, coaching, development, and direction to Production Supervisors and
production employees.
• Plan and evaluate staffing requirements based on production schedules, business
needs, employee availability, and operational priorities.
• Coordinate labor and production resources to meet customer and production
requirements while controlling overtime and other operating costs.
• Monitor production schedules and proactively address issues that may impact output,
quality, or customer delivery.
• Ensure production employees follow established work instructions, operating
procedures, quality requirements, safety standards, and company policies.
• Partner with Human Resources and Production Supervisors regarding employee
performance, attendance, development, training, and other employee-related matters.
• Identify employee training and development needs and ensure appropriate training is
completed.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment focused on
employee engagement and operational excellence.
• Ensure production documentation and reporting are completed accurately and in a
timely manner.
• Partner with Quality to address product quality concerns, non-conformances, corrective
actions, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Maintenance to prioritize equipment issues, minimize downtime, and
support preventative maintenance activities.
• Evaluate production processes, equipment utilization, staffing, workflow, and work
methods to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and performance.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six
Sigma, or other applicable methodologies.
• Participate in the evaluation and implementation of equipment, tooling, processes, and
operational improvements necessary to support business objectives.
• Monitor and manage production-related expenses within established budgets and
identify opportunities to improve cost performance.
• Support capital projects and equipment installations impacting production operations as
required.
• Investigate production issues, determine root causes, and implement sustainable
corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable workplace health and safety requirements and
company safety programs.
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor and actively engage with supervisors
and employees across shifts.
• Coordinate production activities with other departments to ensure business objectives
are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide direct leadership and development to Production Supervisors.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold the production team accountable for
results.
• Conduct and/or participate in performance evaluations, coaching, corrective action, and
employee development activities in partnership with Human Resources.
• Build supervisor capability and promote consistent application of company policies,
procedures, and performance expectations across shifts.
• Foster effective communication, teamwork, accountability, and positive working
relationships throughout the manufacturing operation.
REQUIREMENTS
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, workflow, labor
management, and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, time-management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze production data and use performance metrics to identify trends and
drive improvement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, develop, and hold employees and leaders accountable.
• Ability to work effectively across departments and levels of the organization.
• Ability to make sound decisions and effectively manage competing priorities in a fastpaced manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety, product quality, customer service, and
continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience working with Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) or manufacturing systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement
methodologies preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and provide leadership support outside regular
business hours when operational needs require.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, or
a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and progressive
manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive manufacturing experience, including significant
supervisory or production leadership responsibility.
• Experience leading production operations in a multi-shift manufacturing environment
strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, and employee
performance.
• Experience in plastics or a related manufacturing environment is an asset.
• Evidence of continued professional development and training is preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Regularly works in both an office setting and an active manufacturing/production
environment.
• Requires regular presence on the production floor, including walking and standing for
periods of time to observe operations, engage with employees, and respond to
production needs.
• Must be able to safely navigate manufacturing areas, including around operating
equipment and machinery.
• May occasionally be required to bend, reach, climb stairs, or move throughout various
areas of the facility in the performance of job duties.
• May occasionally be required to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds
(approximately 11 kg).
• Regular use of a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment is required.
• The manufacturing environment may include exposure to noise, moving mechanical
equipment, varying temperatures, and other conditions typical of an industrial facility.
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated areas, and
all applicable health and safety procedures must be followed.
• Must be able to respond to operational needs across shifts and may occasionally be
required to work outside normal business hours.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable law to
enable qualified individuals to perform the essential duties of the position