Production Manager

Job Description:

Position Summary 

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all die cutting manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives are achieved. This role oversees production schedules, staffing, equipment utilization, process improvements, and employee development while maintaining compliance with customer specifications and company standards. The Production Manager will provide technical expertise in die-cutting processes, tooling, materials, machine setup, and troubleshooting while driving operational excellence throughout the facility.

Essential Responsibilities 

Operational Leadership

• Direct and coordinate daily die-cut production activities to meet customer delivery requirements and production schedules.
• Manage team leads and machine operators
• Develop staffing plans and production schedules to maximize machine utilization and labor efficiency.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including productivity, scrap, downtime, on-time delivery, labor efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensure all production operations comply with company policies, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Establish accountability and performance expectations for production personnel.
• Conduct regular production meetings to communicate goals, priorities, and operational performance.

Technical Die-Cut Operations

• Provide technical oversight of precision die-cutting processes.
• Optimize machine settings, tooling configurations, and process parameters to maximize throughput and product quality.
• Troubleshoot production issues involving die-cut equipment, tooling wear, registration, pressure settings, material feeding, and product defects.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to develop and improve manufacturing processes for new and existing products.
• Oversee die setup, changeovers, and process validation activities.
• Evaluate die performance and work with tooling suppliers to improve die life and cutting accuracy.
• Monitor material utilization and minimize waste through process optimization.
• Ensure operators follow standardized work instructions and setup procedures.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Quality to identify and resolve product quality concerns.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving methodologies.
• Implement continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Analyze production data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support customer audits, corrective actions, and quality system requirements.
• Drive scrap reduction initiatives and improve first-pass yield.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Work closely with Maintenance to ensure production equipment reliability and uptime.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate equipment repairs.
• Support capital equipment projects, equipment installations, and process upgrades.
• Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure proper maintenance of dies, tooling, and support equipment.

Employee Development

• Recruit, train, develop, and retain production personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching and feedback.
• Build cross-functional training programs to increase workforce flexibility.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with training and certification requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the operation.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and corrective actions.
• Investigate incidents and implement preventive measures.
• Ensure proper use of PPE and safe machine operating practices.

Minimum Required Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field
• 5 + years manufacturing leadership experience.
• 3 years managing die-cutting, converting or similar production operations.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading direct and indirect production teams.
• Strong knowledge of die-cutting processes, tooling, converting operations, and material handling.
• Experience with die cutters, dies and automated converting equipment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting software.
• Understanding of OEE, capacity planning, and production metrics.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the production facility.
• Ability to frequently move throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and office areas.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas as needed.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate computers, equipment controls, and office machinery.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment, production processes, and product quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in noisy manufacturing environments.
• Ability to work near moving mechanical equipment and around industrial machinery while following all safety procedures.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, and other PPE as required.
• Ability to tolerate varying temperatures, noise levels, and environmental conditions typical of a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to flex between shifts as business needs require.

Compensation Information:

$125,000-$130,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.