Production Manager

About This Role

The Production Manager leads and manages all production activities, ensuring safe and efficient manufacturing while meeting quality standards, production targets, and customer requirements. This role drives operational excellence through leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to ensure output meets volume, quality, and cost targets
• Conduct regular Gemba walks on the production floor to observe operations, reinforce standards, identify risks, and drive immediate corrective actions
• Monitor and optimize process parameters to ensure stable operations and consistent product quality
• Analyze machine downtime and scrap trends and address identified issues through corrective actions
• Ensure effective shift coverage and coordination across 24/7 production schedules
• Learn the basic requirements of all production positions to cover any positions when needed
• Validate manufacturing orders accurately and on time within the ERP system
• Ensure proper staffing to maintain efficient production on a daily basis
• Supervise, coach, and develop production leads and operators
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability
• Support training, qualification, and cross-training of production personnel to cover all positions efficiently and when shorthanded
• Evaluate employee performance and ensure consistent adherence to all company policies and procedures
• Foster teamwork, engagement, and continuous improvement mindset within the production team
• Review and approve employee time off, sick leave, and reported work hours
• Ensure strict compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental requirements, and company safety policies
• Ensure safe work practices, including PPE usage, lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and chemical handling
• Lead safety initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective actions related to production activities in collaboration with the QHSE Manager and Plant Manager
• Promote a strong safety culture by leading by example and ensuring safety expectations are consistently applied on the production floor
• Ensure housekeeping and organizational standards are consistently maintained at all times
• Ensure products are manufactured in compliance with specifications, procedures, and quality standards
• Partner with Quality to address non-conformances, customer complaints, and process deviations
• Support root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions
• Create, update, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Execute production plans in alignment with the production schedule to meet customer demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels
• Prepare and manage the production schedule in the absence of the planner
• Communicate production constraints, risks, and priorities to Plant Manager
• Identify and lead opportunities to improve, yield, throughput, scrap reduction, and labor productivity
• Support Lean manufacturing, problem-solving, and operational excellence initiatives
• Assist and support the Engineering team on capital and equipment related projects
• Assist with managing costs and department budget
• Track and report production KPIs and use data to drive corrective and continuous improvement
• Create, implement, and monitor action plans to address objectives that are not meeting targets
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Plant Manager

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Operations Management, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 5-10 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience in a continuous manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of continuous extrusion processes and industrial manufacturing operations
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and environmental regulations
• Understanding and practice of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Regularly required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch
• Ability to operate production equipment and machinery when needed

Important Details

• Schedule: 24/7 production operation
• Availability: for calls or emergencies on off hours

About the Company

SOPREMA is a global leader in the manufacturing of innovative roofing, waterproofing, insulation, and building envelope solutions. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company has been delivering high-performance products for over 100 years. SOPREMA fosters a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees are empowered to make an impact, develop their careers, and contribute to building a better future.