Production Manager

AP Executive Staffing is hiring a Production Manager for our customer, a $100M, fast-paced, employee-centric manufacturer in Buffalo, NY. With almost 50 years in business, their mission is to provide superior products, innovative solutions and exceptional service, and they always hire to their core values which aim to ensure SUSTAINABILITY of the long-term vision; COMMITMENT to employees; OUTSTANDING quality; RESPECT for relationships; and ETHICS.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, this critical role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the production floor, ensuring manufacturing processes run smoothly, efficiently, and within budget. Our customer seeks experienced leadership competencies and values built on clear communication of expectations, transparency, accountability and a focus on continuous improvement. This role will manage a team of production supervisors, production workers, coordinating with other departments, and implementing strategies to increase productivity and quality with a focus on:

• Execute company objectives by enhancing production efficiency, through process optimization, team development, and organization-wide collaboration.
• Lead, mentor, and drive accountability of production teams fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to team members as needed and in accordance with Sealing Devices performance management schedule.
• Collaborate with Continuous Improvement team for developing and enhancing workflow policies that improve efficiency.
• Coordinate with cross functional teams to monitor workflow and adjust as necessary to meet On-Time Delivery, to improve efficiency and to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company policies regarding quality and safety.
• Assist in the development and management of the production budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Utilize data analysis to drive decision-making and optimize production strategies.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding production goals and progress.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for management on the performance of supervisors and work cells.
• Organize and oversee the schedules, requests for time off and the workload of assigned team members.
• Manage training of Production Supervisors in all company and departmental policies, procedures, and best practices utilizing Sealing Devices’ Training Department.
• Manage/support discipline and appropriate disciplinary action for Production Supervisors and Production employees with guidance from Human Resources in accordance with company policy.
• Consult HR on hiring strategies for open roles and provide recommendation for final hiring decision.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with policies, guidelines, and regulatory requirements per the Sealing Devices Quality System.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Associate’s degree in operations management, Industrial Engineering, Business or related field required
• 5+ years progressive experience in a managerial role within a manufacturing environment
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and manage a large team effectively
• In-depth knowledge of production processes, lean manufacturing, quality requirements and safety standards
• Proficiency in using ERP systems, production planning software and MS Office Suite.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications and Experience Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Industrial Engineering, Business or related field preferred
• Experience with Oracle preferred

Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate production teams to achieve high performance while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Process Optimization: Expertise in identifying inefficiencies and implementing continuous improvement strategies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and ensure quality standards.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability to analyze production data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to resolve operational issues and drive strategic initiatives
• Budget Management and Cost Control: Proficiency in developing and managing production budgets, monitoring expenses, and implementing cost-saving measures while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of industry regulations and safety standards, with the ability to enforce compliance and promote a culture of safety within the production environment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with various departments, such as engineering, supply chain, and quality assurance, to ensure cohesive operations and achieve organizational goals.

Culture Fit

• Have the right attitude. A positive attitude is everything when delivering top-notch customer service. People want to be around co-workers who make them feel better about themselves.  Employees with positive attitudes tend to be more productive employees because they always see the opportunity with every challenge.
• Follow through. Following through is one of the best ways to build credibility, earn trust, and establish yourself as a leader or expert in your field. Follow through on your commitments is a do or die, make or break situation.
• Be a problem solver. We all must make decisions so it’s important to realize that being a problem solver isn’t just an ability; it’s a mindset…one that drives people to bring out the best in themselves.
• Go above and beyond. Discretionary effort…great companies go above and beyond for their customers.  As stated in our “What We Do,” we want to set the standard for superior customer service in fabrication and distribution, so look around you and take advantage of opportunities to go above and beyond.
• Remain outcome driven.  Thrive in a culture of not only empowerment, but accountability too.  Know what you want to achieve, set realistic timelines to keep you on track, and seek opportunities for growth.

Salary: $110-$140K + bonus