Production Manager (Night Shift)

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Production Manager provides strategic and operational leadership in textile manufacturing operations. This role provides leadership coverage across both swing and graveyard shifts by working ½ of each shift. This role ensures safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met while developing supervisors and employees through structured goals, coaching, and accountability. The Manager drives continuous improvements, enforces company policies and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and maintains a disciplined, efficient, and engaged workforce.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB 

• Manage daily operations across 2 shifts in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment
• Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and employees through KPI-driven leadership
• Maintain strong accountability to consistently deliver daily production targets through continuous application of best practices, policies, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Leverage production data and KPIs to make informed decisions and identify improvement opportunities

• Ensure production plans, scheduling, and labor requirements are mutually supportive and achievable. 
• Improve labor utilization, workflow, material movement, and manufacturing processes.

• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Partner with HR and EH&S to promote a culture of safety and accountability.
• Ensure timely resolution of production, equipment, and quality issues.
• Develop and maintain a cross-training program that provides adequate operational coverage across equipment and processes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and performance records.
• Provide active, hands-on leadership on the production floor throughout assigned shifts. This position requires regular engagement with employees, equipment, and production processes and is not primarily a desk-based role.
• Lead Tier-1 production meetings with task assignment focused on achieving by-shift KPIs. 

• Coordinate cross-functional priorities with other mill leadership.
• Identify capital improvement opportunities and participate in project planning and implementation.

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS (The knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to successfully perform this role.)

• Apply company policies, work rules, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement consistently and fairly. 
• Lead with professionalism, integrity, and respect while fostering a positive and accountable work environment. 
• Coach, develop, and hold supervisors and employees accountable for performance, attendance, conduct, and safety expectations. 
• Make sound decisions based on facts, policy, operational priorities, and business needs. 
• Communicate expectations clearly through effective Tier-1 meetings, coaching, and daily interaction with employees. 
• Maintain accurate, timely, and objective documentation related to employee performance, attendance, and operational activities. 
• Build strong cross-functional relationships to resolve production, quality, maintenance, and staffing issues promptly. 
• Demonstrate sound judgment, adaptability, and composure while managing changing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and employee development. 
• Follow through on commitments, ensure timely resolution of issues, and reinforce company standards through consistent leadership. 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS: 

• Safety Performance
• Production Efficiency / Throughput
• Quality Performance
• Employee Development & Engagement

QUALIFICATIONS (The training, education, and/or experience necessary to fulfill the job)

• 5+ years of manufacturing management experience, preferably in a union environment
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing supervisors and employees.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrable Lean Manufacturing (or comparable) continuous improvement experience
• Proven ability to establish accountability, drive performance, and achieve measurable business results.
• Experience administering a Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, multi‑shift production environment
• Strong proficiency with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Microsoft Office 365, and timekeeping systems (ADP)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily on the production floor in a textile manufacturing environment 
• Continuous exposure to industrial machinery, moving equipment, noise, and airborne textile fibers 
• Varying temperatures and environmental conditions depending on department and production needs 
• Requires consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and safety footwear 
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the facility for the duration of the shift 
• Occasional physical activity may include lifting, pushing, or pulling materials as needed 
• Requires continuous monitoring of operations and the ability to respond immediately to safety, production, and employee issues 
• Work is performed in a fast-paced environment requiring sustained attention and quick decision-making 
• Must comply with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements