Production Manager

Role: Production Manager
Location: Fraser, MI
FLSA: Exempt
Summary of Position

As Production Manager for a new, state-of-the-art plastic injection mold manufacturing facility, you will oversee all shop floor personnel and production activities, ensuring efficient, high-quality, and safe operations. This role is pivotal in building a high-performance team, establishing robust processes, and driving continuous improvement from the ground up. You will collaborate closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to meet operational, financial, and customer goals in a dynamic start-up environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production operations, ensuring workflow meets specifications, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Organize and optimize shop floor activities, including scheduling, resource allocation, and process improvements.
• Lead, coach, and develop production personnel (technicians, quality inspectors, etc.), fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management for production staff.
• Approve maintenance work, equipment purchases, and coordinate with logistics, maintenance, and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Monitor production metrics, analyze data, and recommend strategies for process optimization and cost savings.
• Ensure compliance with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.) and enforce company policies with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Communicate effectively with customers, upper management, and internal teams regarding production timing, quality, and delivery.
• Model and enforce a positive work environment, supporting site communications and employee engagement initiatives.
• Drive proactive actions for continuous improvement and operational excellence, especially in a start-up context.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills in a manufacturing start-up or high-growth environment.
• Proactive, results-driven approach with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Deep understanding of quality standards, health & safety regulations, and lean manufacturing/continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and production management software.
• Ability to analyze production data and drive process improvements.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and traveling locally as required.

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree in a technical field required; Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• Minimum 3+ years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing, preferably in plastic injection molding or automotive sectors. Prior experience in a start-up or new facility launch environment highly preferred

Key words: Manufacturing, manager, injection, leader, soft trim, automotive