Production Manager - AWD

The Production Manager will lead day-to-day manufacturing and distribution operations in alignment with the General Manager’s strategic initiatives and goals. The Production Manager will lead a team of Department Managers who are directly responsible for hourly team members performing production duties. The Production Manager will also demonstrate aptitude in utilizing lean and/or continuous improvement methodology to drive plant improvement. Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Plan, lead, and manage complex, multi-shift production and distribution operations. 
• Review and analyze production, quality control, and operational reports.
• Analyze quality issues and determine root cause to develop and implement corrective actions. 
• Plan and direct production activities and establish priorities for products in keeping with effective operations and cost factors. 
• Manage Department Managers via direct reports, annual evaluations, and mid-year reviews, providing positive recognition and corrective action as necessary. 
• Promote safe work environment, including identifying safety hazards and performing timely follow-up on safety issues and corrections. 
• Serve as a Safety Committee member and leader; ensure compliance with and champion all safety programs. 
• Work with General Manager to set Production schedules and goals, report on behind-schedule departments, identify and remove obstacles to meet production completion and ship dates, and report on back-orders and measures being taken to resolve any related issues. 
• Work with Human Resources on hiring practices of new employees and work with Department Managers to ensure following of hiring/transfer policy. 
• Maintain consistency in adherence to established HR/employment policies in areas of responsibility. 
• Work with Department Managers on training, motivating, and rewarding employees. 
• Support company’s Open Door Policy and establish Employee Communication programs. 
• Work with General Manager, Senior Engineering Manager, and Continuous Improvement Manager to evaluate factory performance and develop plan for Capital Requisitions and Continuous Improvement activities to reach current and future production goals. 
• Work with teams to implement production changes to achieve current and future goals, tracking pertinent data/KPI to evaluate effectiveness. 
• Work to achieve annual metrics, as determined by and with General Manager, to promote VT Industries’ reaching of annual goals. 
• Build world-class Production Team and sustainable processes that exceed customer expectations. 
• Maintain and promote servant leader mindset. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or six years’ wood industry/building material or manufacturing experience 
• Ability to analyze and evaluate data and develop detailed analysis/reports for General and Plant Managers and Leadership Team in a concise and precise manner 
• Must possess and display excellent verbal and written communication skills with both internal and external customers and clients 
• Responsible for timely completion of production orders and development of process improvement activities 
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel 
• Ability to train, recognize, select, and develop talent within Production Team 
• Demonstrate knowledge of activities utilizing lean and/or continuous improvement methodology 
• All team members are expected to follow the Code of Conduct to the highest standards as well as to adhere to the Attendance Policy of VT Industries 

Physical Requirements 

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand for an extended amount of time, walk and reach with hands and arms. Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work in an environment that is not climate-controlled and can include elevated hot and cold temperatures. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.