Manufacturing Manager

Location: 

Trussville, AL

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Manager owns and leads all manufacturing operations in a highly customized (High Mix / Low Volume) metal fabrication environment. This role is accountable for manufacturing performance end-to-end - safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce capability, while aligning day-to-day execution with the company’s broader operational and business strategy.

In addition to running the shop, the Manufacturing Manager sets and executes manufacturing strategy, partners closely with cross-functional teams, and leads the organization through change, growth, and complexity. This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance operational rigor with flexibility, develop strong teams, and continuously improve how work gets done.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations & Strategy

• Own manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity in a highly customized production environment.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business objectives, capacity needs, and profitable growth.
• Plan, organize, and manage daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules while maintaining flexibility for custom and diverse product mixes.
• Optimize asset utilization, labor deployment, and capacity planning to improve throughput, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Maintain accountability for production output, product quality, and on-time shipment.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and Finance to improve manufacturability, planning accuracy, and cost performance.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and custom project execution typical of an HMLV environment.
• Provide manufacturing input into business planning, capital investments, and continuous improvement priorities.

Continuous Improvement & Change Leadership

• Establish and maintain systems, metrics, and KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and return on assets.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma preferred) that drive measurable operational and financial results.
• Lead the manufacturing organization through change, growth, and increasing operational complexity while maintaining stability and engagement.

Safety & Quality

• Champion a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability across the manufacturing organization.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Enforce quality standards and support quality control programs to ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing manufacturing team, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and development opportunities to build bench strength and succession capability.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable work environment, particularly among experienced operators and supervisors.

Financial Ownership & Reporting

• Own manufacturing cost performance, including labor efficiency, overtime, scrap, rework, and productivity.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and drive cost improvements that positively impact gross margin and cash flow.
• Prepare and present clear, data-driven reports on manufacturing performance, trends, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on manufacturing experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience in a highly customized production environment
• Experience in metal fabrication strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement and operational change initiatives
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and production reporting tools
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery, and production standards.
• Proven ability to lead experienced teams through change and continuous improvement
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Solid financial acumen related to manufacturing cost drivers and performance metrics
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Travel

• As needed basis

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Benefits include health care (medical, dental, vision) with coverage starting on the first day of employment as well as 401(k) with company match and holiday pay.

Parkson Corporation is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Parkson Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.