Summary

The Production Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for directing and coordinating all production activities to ensure the efficient manufacturing and assembly of optical components. This role requires a strong presence on the shop floor, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Production Manager will provide mentorship and leadership development to supervisors and team members while driving operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Leadership & Development: Cultivates a high-performance culture by mentoring supervisors and frontline employees, ensuring leadership development at all levels. Provides vision, direction, and inspiration to drive engagement and operational success.
• Hands-On Engagement: Actively participates on the production floor, working alongside teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and reinforce company values.
• Operational Oversight: Reviews and analyzes production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Product Development: Supports product development efforts by working closely with Engineering and Sales to ensure design for manufacturability.
• Process Improvement: Identifies inefficiencies and implements strategies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and maintain high-quality standards.
• Collaboration & Communication: Works closely with management and engineering teams to implement process improvements and resolve production challenges effectively.
• Workforce Planning: Assists in production scheduling and resource allocation, ensuring optimal workforce utilization based on production demands and worker performance.
• Compliance & Safety: Enforces company policies, safety procedures, and regulatory requirements, ensuring a secure and efficient work environment.
• Decision-Making: Uses sound judgment to make timely, informed decisions, involving key stakeholders when appropriate.
• Data Management: Compiles, stores, and retrieves production data as needed for performance tracking and continuous improvement.
• Quality Commitment: Actively participates in quality improvement initiatives to maintain product consistency and exceed customer expectations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Production Manager oversees multiple production departments, managing subordinate supervisors responsible for up to 150 employees.  The Production Manager will lead the transition from a one-shift to a two-shift operation.  This role ensures proper direction, coordination, and evaluation of production activities while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth. Responsibilities include:

• Interviewing, hiring, and training employees
• Planning, assigning, and directing work
• Performance evaluation & feedback and development plans
• Recognition and discipline when necessary
• Resolving employee concerns in alignment with company policies and legal requirements

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field and five years of supervisory experience, OR ten years of related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams in a production setting.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety protocols, and operational instructions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and implement effective solutions.
• Solid understanding of basic algebra and geometry for production-related calculations.
• Proficiency with basic computer applications for data management and reporting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to provide clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Ability to work well with people in all departments including sales, engineering, and HR.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing and walking required.
• Regular use of hands for handling and manipulating tools or materials.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required, including close vision for detailed inspection of components.

Work Environment:

• Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles.
• Moderate noise level typical of a manufacturing facility.

• This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because a person working in this position under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including medical marijuana, may constitute a threat to health or safety, which includes but is not limited to working with hazardous or flammable materials, operating, repairing, maintaining, or monitoring machinery or motor vehicles.

Professional Expectations

The Production Manager must demonstrate professionalism, including:

• Treating all employees with respect and fairness.
• Remaining calm under pressure and leading by example.
• Following through on commitments and taking accountability for decisions.

This is a highly visible leadership role that requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing future leaders within the organization.