Production Manager (Manufacturing)

This role will directly manage the Production Team Leads and the Maintenance Team Leader/Planner, with overall management responsibility for a team of approximately 35+ hourly employees to start, including Machine Operators, Packers, Maintenance Technicians and the Plant Electrician. Previous experience with a startup plant, installation/launch of new production lines, or plant expansion projects, preferably as a Production Manager or Supervisor.

HTI is assisting a global paper packaging manufacturer with their search for an experienced ProductionManager for their start-up facility in Spartanburg, SC! The company offers excellent benefits, opportunities for growth, and a positive, collaborative work culture.
 

• Base Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 / year, depending on experience (plus up to $10,000 bonus)
• Location: Spartanburg, SC
• Relocation assistance is available
• This is a direct hire, salaried, full-time position

Summary
Lead plant production activities and team members to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality operation. This role is responsible for controlling manufacturing activities within budgeted costs, safety, productivity, quality and product safety standards. This role will also manage the Maintenance Team Lead/Planner and help to oversee day-to-day maintenance team activities and management of workshop spaces. This role will oversee future CAPEX and equipment installation projects, managing external vendors/engineers and project budgets.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have at least 5+ years of recent experience as a Production Manager or Production Supervisor with oversight of at least 50+ hourly employees on multiple shifts. Must have at least 8 years of total manufacturing production experience.
• Experience in paper/paperboard packaging, paper converting, or other packaging manufacturing
• Previous experience with a startup plant, installation/launch of new production lines, or plant expansion projects, preferably as a Production Manager or Supervisor
• ISO 9001 and/or 14001 experience
• Experience in a GMP environment providing packaging products to FDA-regulated industries strongly preferred
• Food safety/SQF, BRC, AIB and/or HACCP experience
• Safety First mindset
• Strong leadership, communication, and employee training/development abilities
• Strong technology and computer skills, including MS Office and ERP systems
• Experience in project planning and management (CAPEX/machinery installations), project budgeting
• KPI monitoring/reporting
• Experience implementing continuous improvement strategies
• Previous management of or direct coordination with maintenance functions and personnel, including scheduling/planning, CMMS, and preventative/predictive maintenance programs

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s,  Associate’s, or Technical degree  
• Mechanical/electrical aptitude
• CMMS and maintenance data analysis
• Lean Six Sigma, TPM, and/or reliability engineering

 

JOB DUTIES:

• This role will directly manage the Production Team Leads and the Maintenance Team Leader/Planner, with overall management responsibility for a team of approximately 35+ hourly employees to start, including Machine Operators, Packers, Maintenance Technicians and the Plant Electrician. The plant will add additional lines within the next 1-2 years and will be additional team members at that time.
• Working closely with the Plant Manager, Engineering, Quality, Logistics and Safety teams, this role will drive continuous improvement, preventative maintenance, and resource optimization.
• Develop and implement production processes and standards to optimize efficiency.
• Monitor production data/KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Manufacturing Excellence.
• Coordinate with the Quality Manager to ensure product released to customers meets specifications and food packaging safety requirements.
• Support labor planning in order to meet production schedules.
• Support and lead the Maintenance Team Leader/Planner and the maintenance team.
• Assist with the design and management of preventative maintenance systems, including scheduling, documentation, and critical spares inventory.
• Work with the Maintenance Team Leader to analyze data, identify the root cause of breakdowns, and implement corrective actions and reliability improvements.
• Coordinate subcontractors and external resources to meet maintenance needs beyond internal capabilities.
• Promote and lead a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety, ISO 9001:2015, GMP, and food packaging safety standards.
• Coordinate with the Safety Manager to manage safety performance, risk mitigation, and emergency response.
• Oversee training programs in collaboration with the Plant Manager and HR to ensure all personnel are competent in safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Work with the Quality Manager to investigate product non-conformances and customer complaints, ensuring timely resolution and reporting.
• Manage CAPEX project/machinery installation budgets and costs for contractors, operations and staffing.
• Monitor and control labor utilization, consumables, and waste to meet budget targets.
• Build engagement, strong team spirit, and an environment that supports continuous improvement.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 401K with company match
• Healthcare
• Dental
• Vision
• EAP
• PTO
• Paid holidays