Weld Department Manager

Wright Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager to lead our Weld Department supporting the fabrication and production of commercial lawn mowers. This position is responsible for the safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and development of a two-shift welding operation consisting of more than 50 employees.

The Weld Department Manager provides leadership through 2 Group Leaders and 8 Team Leaders and is responsible for establishing clear expectations, developing frontline leadership, maintaining production flow, and driving continuous improvement throughout the department.

This role requires a strong manufacturing leader who is comfortable spending significant time on the production floor, developing people, solving problems, improving processes, and holding the organization accountable to measurable results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily production activities across two shifts to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Ensure staffing, equipment, materials, and production priorities are aligned with the manufacturing schedule.
• Directly lead, coach, and develop the department’s 2 Group Leaders, while establishing clear expectations for line Team Leaders.
• Build the leadership capabilities of Group Leaders and Team Leaders so that daily accountability occurs at the appropriate level.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, urgency, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure fabricated and welded components consistently meet Wright Manufacturing’s quality standards and specifications.
• Lead continuous-improvement activities focused on safety, quality, productivity, flow, labor efficiency, and cost.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, ventilation systems, and supporting equipment are properly maintained.
• Support preventive-maintenance activities and help reduce unplanned downtime.
• Work with Manufacturing Engineering to improve welding processes, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods.
• Support the introduction of new products, equipment, processes, and engineering changes into the Weld Department.