Manufacturing Manager - 1st Shift
Description
Production Manager - CNC Machining
ALIGN PRECISION Philadelphia
425 Privet Road
Horsham, PA 19044
Build the Future of Precision Manufacturing
ALIGN PRECISION is seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead CNC machining operations at our state-of-the-art precision manufacturing facility in Horsham, Pennsylvania.
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing organization, helping shape the culture, operational excellence, and future capabilities of a world-class precision manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will lead a team of manufacturing professionals, drive operational performance, develop talent, and foster a culture focused on safety, quality, delivery, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Production Manager will collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production Control, Program Management, and Human Resources to ensure customer commitments are met while building scalable systems and processes that support continued growth.
We are seeking a visible, hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, solving complex operational challenges in CNC machining, and delivering measurable business results.
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for the overall performance of CNC machining operations, ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of production activities while meeting customer and business requirements.
This leadership role is accountable for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and Cost performance. The Production Manager will lead and develop production teams, strengthen manufacturing systems, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure operational objectives are consistently achieved.
The ideal candidate combines deep CNC machining expertise with strong leadership skills, operational discipline, strategic thinking, and a passion for manufacturing excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Safety, Quality, Delivery & Cost Leadership
- Drive performance against key operational metrics including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and Cost.
- Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards throughout the manufacturing organization.
- Analyze operational performance, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to achieve business objectives.
- Maintain a strong presence on the production floor to ensure safe work practices, quality standards, and operating procedures are consistently followed.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with Engineering and Quality to resolve manufacturing issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Promote a culture where safety and quality are foundational to daily operations.
Production Execution
- Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules and customer delivery commitments are achieved.
- Translate production requirements into clear priorities and execution plans for team leads, machinists, and operators.
- Monitor work flow, machine utilization, staffing levels, and resource allocation to maximize productivity and throughput.
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to material availability, equipment performance, labor resources, and process constraints.
- Coordinate recovery plans with cross-functional teams when performance falls behind plan.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain and Operations leadership to evaluate capacity requirements and develop plans to address current and future constraints.
- Ensure labor, equipment, tooling, and materials are effectively aligned to support production requirements.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing production organization focused on accountability, teamwork, technical excellence, and operational discipline.
- Build an engaged culture that emphasizes communication, respect, employee involvement, and continuous learning.
- Establish clear performance expectations and provide timely coaching, feedback, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate.
- Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, engagement, and retention initiatives.
- Develop and execute apprenticeship, training, cross-training, and career development programs.
- Maintain a skills matrix that supports workforce flexibility and reduces single-point dependencies.
- Identify and develop future leaders through succession planning and structured development opportunities.
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the production organization.
- Lead projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, throughput, and customer satisfaction.
- Drive reductions in setup time, cycle time, scrap, rework, and manufacturing cost.
- Facilitate root cause analysis and implementation of sustainable corrective actions for recurring issues.
- Partner with Engineering to support setup reduction, process optimization, and improved manufacturing efficiency.
- Drive the implementation and sustainability of 5S, visual management, standardized work, and operational discipline.
- Utilize operational metrics and manufacturing data to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and measure results.
- Support the development of scalable manufacturing systems that enable future business growth.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead daily operational review meetings and actively participate in site leadership discussions.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Production Control, Program Management, Finance, and Human Resources.
- Support new product introduction (NPI), production transfer, and manufacturing ramp-up initiatives.
- Ensure production readiness through effective planning, staffing, training, equipment preparation, and process control.
- Serve as the primary link between production teams and site leadership, ensuring effective communication and execution.
- Foster a collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work together to solve problems and achieve business objectives.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of manufacturing experience within a precision machining environment.
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing production teams in CNC machining operations.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, setup reduction, production flow, process control, and manufacturing constraints.
- Proven success improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, and Cost performance.
- Demonstrated experience leading Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of root cause analysis, 5S, visual management, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Proven ability to build high-performing teams, develop employees, and create a culture of accountability.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
- Experience in aerospace, defense, medical device, semiconductor, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting new product introductions, product transfers, or production ramp-up activities.
- Experience leading operations within a growing or expanding manufacturing organization.
- Strong knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and data-driven manufacturing management.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement certification.
Leadership Attributes
Visible and Engaged
Leads from the production floor, stays connected to daily operations, and actively supports employees where the work takes place.
People Developer
Builds organizational capability through coaching, mentoring, training, and succession planning.
Results-Oriented
Establishes clear expectations, drives accountability, and consistently delivers operational results.
Problem Solver
Uses data, structured thinking, and root cause analysis to address issues and prevent recurrence.
Strategic Thinker
Balances immediate production requirements with long-term needs related to capacity, workforce development, equipment, and operational growth.
Collaborative Leader
Works effectively across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Human Resources to achieve shared goals.
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Never settles for the status quo and continuously seeks safer, smarter, and more efficient ways to operate.
Why ALIGN PRECISION?
At ALIGN PRECISION, our success is built on the talent of our people, our commitment to manufacturing excellence, and our investment in industry-leading technologies.
Our Horsham facility provides an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing operation where your leadership will directly influence culture, performance, capability, and future growth. This role offers the chance to build high-performing teams, strengthen manufacturing systems, and help establish the standards of a world-class precision manufacturing organization.
If you are a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance, and driving operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
ALIGN PRECISION is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
