Production Manager

General Summary

This hands-on leadership role oversees daily manufacturing operations while driving continuous improvement throughout the production process. The Production Manager is responsible for coordinating production activities, developing employees, solving operational challenges, and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. The Production Manager collaborates closely with the Quality Coordinator, R&D, Sales, Shipping/Receiving, and Maintenance to ensure efficient day-to-day operations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervisory Scope – lead a small team of production and maintenance on a day to day basis to include scheduling, driving safety, production efficiency and culture in the production department.
• Safety & Compliance: Promote and enforce a strong safety culture. Ensure compliance with OSHA, DNR, DHS, and other applicable regulations.
• Training & Support: Provide training to production staff on new processes, equipment, and best practices. Act as a technical resource for problem-solving and troubleshooting.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities for operational and process enhancements.
• Project Management: Lead and support projects involving process development, equipment installation, and operational improvements within time and budget constraints.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain process documentation, SOPs, and operational metrics. Prepare reports on efficiency, quality, and safety for leadership review.
• Customer Focus: Support customer satisfaction by ensuring processes deliver consistent, high-quality results.
• Other Duties as Assigned: Support lab testing, small batch manufacturing, and customer-driven initiatives as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Background

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience may be substituted for education.
• Experience managing or supervising employees in a manufacturing environment required.
• Chemical manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DNR, DHS).
• Ability to interpret process flow diagrams, SOPs, and technical documentation.

Physical & Work Environment

• Combination of office, laboratory, and production floor environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, and exposure to chemical and manufacturing settings.
• Must occasionally lift up to 25–50 lbs and wear appropriate PPE.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.