Production Manager/Director

Job Description

Objective of the Position:

A Production Manager oversees manufacturing processes, focusing on optimizing efficiency, minimizing material waste, and ensuring production meets specified quality requirements. The role involves managing all primary production activities, capital and process development projects, and providing excellent technical knowledge. The Production Manager is responsible for installation, maintenance, and improvement of production lines, ensuring health, safety, and environmental requirements are met. Full budgetary responsibility for the department is required, along with driving continuous improvement principles.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Strategy & Development

Contributes to the creation and implementation of best-practice manufacturing strategies.

Supports the planning of vision, strategy, guidelines, processes, and procedures to improve operational performance.

Task Management

Designs, tests, implements, and maintains production systems to deliver products on time, meeting quality requirements and calculated cost.

Drives continuous improvement measures in production quality, run times, process improvement, and machine availability.

Executes validation plans to ensure robust technical solutions.

Provides technical input for offerings to new markets and customers.

Develops and maintains project plans and budget profiles.

Analyzes and improves material usage.

Identifies opportunities to improve production processes.

Participates in the NCR process and performs root cause analyses.

People Management

Implements strategies to develop technical skills within the production team.

Manages and leads the team, including staffing, recruitment, training, development, and disciplinary matters.

Motivates and coaches the team to achieve operational success.

Ensures understanding and tracking of departmental targets/KPIs.

Relationship Management

Develops and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Liaises, negotiates, and engages with key stakeholders.

Communicates with stakeholders on the impact of market changes on manufacturing.

Recommends solutions without compromising quality or service.

Collaborates with other departments, suppliers, and service providers.

Self-Management

Supports and implements the company's QMS, employee handbook, and policies.

Maintains knowledge of relevant quality standards.

Complies with health and safety guidelines.

Promotes and develops the team.

Anticipates and overcomes obstacles.

Takes on personal challenges.

Possesses confident, clear thinking.

Skills and Abilities:

Works independently within the expectations of senior management.

Understanding of manufacturing processes.

Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Planning and prioritizing activities.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Problem-solving skills.

Understanding of health and safety aspects.

Ability to work in a team and leadership qualities.

Analytical and negotiating skills.

Ability to train people effectively.

Applies advanced technologies and engineering principles.

Exercises discretion and initiative in setting and implementing targets.

Ability to negotiate complex agreements.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Completed studies or comparable training in manufacturing/engineering.

Several years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment.

Good knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD.

Experience in DFMEA, FMEA, APQP, PPAP, and lean/agile manufacturing techniques.

Experience with the introduction of new products and managing a team.