Production Manager

Newton, Iowa | Onsite

Our client, a well-established heavy manufacturing organization, is seeking a Production Manager for its Newton, Iowa operation.

This is a significant plant leadership role responsible for production performance, safety, quality, delivery, employee development and day-to-day execution within a three-shift manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will be more than a production scheduler or administrator. We are looking for a visible, hands-on manufacturing leader who can develop people, establish expectations, use operating metrics effectively and work across functions to improve plant performance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and coordinate production activities to achieve safety, quality, delivery and cost objectives

• Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company and regulatory safety, health and environmental requirements

• Monitor plant and production performance through appropriate operating reports, metrics and performance measures

• Coordinate production activities with maintenance, engineering, quality and other plant functions

• Develop performance targets and hold leaders and employees accountable for achieving them

• Monitor production schedules and adjust priorities and resources as necessary to accomplish manufacturing goals

• Coach, train and develop supervisors and production employees

• Identify high-potential employees and help develop succession capability within the organization

• Build employee engagement through visible leadership, communication, dignity, respect and consistent accountability

• Identify operational problems and participate in continuous improvement efforts

• Exercise independent judgment in resolving production, staffing and operational issues

• Provide additional leadership coverage when required to meet production commitments

• Support budgeting, expense management and efficient utilization of plant resources

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership or management experience

• Demonstrated experience leading production teams in a manufacturing environment

• Working knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, maintenance, engineering and cost/expense management

• Experience in welding, metal fabrication, assembly, paint or related heavy manufacturing operations is highly desirable

• Ability to understand and use production, safety and quality metrics to drive performance

• Strong leadership, communication, coaching and problem-solving capabilities

• Ability to work effectively across departments and organizational levels

• Bachelor's degree preferred; substantial relevant manufacturing leadership experience will be considered

• Proficiency with standard Microsoft Office applications

Work Environment

This is a full-time, onsite position at a manufacturing facility in Newton, Iowa. The operation runs three shifts and frequently operates weekends.

The Production Manager must be comfortable spending significant time in production areas and being available beyond normal working hours when operating conditions require additional leadership coverage. Mandatory overtime, including weekends, may occasionally be required.

The manufacturing environment includes exposure to temperature variations and the noise and activity associated with a heavy industrial operation.

Ideal Background

Candidates who have led teams in metal fabrication, welding, heavy equipment, structural products, industrial equipment, automotive, agricultural equipment or other durable-goods manufacturing environments should translate particularly well.

We are especially interested in leaders who can balance two things: getting today's production out the door and building a stronger organization for tomorrow.

The right person will bring floor credibility, operational discipline and the ability to develop people while maintaining high expectations for safety, quality and performance.