Production Manager (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials)

About the role

Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys developing people, improving processes, and delivering results? Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.

This role provides leadership across 1st and 2nd shift operations and serves as a key partner to the Plant Manager. You will oversee production planning, labor and resource utilization, CNC machining operations, performance metrics, and cross-functional coordination while helping position the facility for continued growth.

If you are a manufacturing leader who enjoys being close to the operation, coaching teams, solving problems, and finding better ways to get work done, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

Lead Production Operations

• Oversee daily production activities across 1st and 2nd shifts
• Manage production loads and schedules to meet customer deadlines while maintaining quality and efficiency
• Coordinate and expedite manufacturing orders throughout the facility
• Optimize labor, materials, and equipment utilization to achieve production goals cost-effectively
• Plan for future production requirements through capacity and resource forecasting

Champion Safety & Quality

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements and procedures
• Reinforce accountability for safe work practices throughout production
• Partner with Quality and other functional teams to ensure manufacturing expectations and customer requirements are met

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Lead process improvement initiatives that increase productivity and reduce waste
• Champion innovation and continuous improvement throughout the production organization
• Use data and operational metrics to identify opportunities and drive better performance
• Partner with Production Leads and Engineering to troubleshoot manufacturing and equipment issues
• Apply CNC machining expertise to support effective problem-solving and equipment performance

Lead & Develop High-Performing Teams

• Motivate, coach, and develop employees to achieve individual and team performance goals
• Build a positive, accountable, and results-oriented work culture
• Establish clear priorities and expectations across shifts
• Support employee development while strengthening overall production capability
• Provide hands-on leadership during changing priorities and operational challenges

Manage Performance & Planning

• Define, monitor, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Use production data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Maintain accurate production documentation and data within the ERP manufacturing system
• Ensure production planning and resource allocation support both current demand and future capacity needs

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner closely with Production Control, Sales, Quality, Engineering, and other department leaders
• Establish production priorities and provide clear communication regarding order status
• Drive cross-functional problem-solving and alignment
• Work with Engineering and Production Department Leads to troubleshoot operational challenges
• Serve as second-in-command to the Plant Manager, escalating critical issues and supporting broader plant operations

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in CNC machining, fabrication, and manufacturing operations management
• Significant experience in production planning and resource management, preferably within CNC machining or contract manufacturing
• Demonstrated people leadership and management experience
• Strong technical knowledge of CNC machining and manufacturing processes
• Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to analyze operational data and drive process improvements
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across Sales, Engineering, Quality, and Production
• Experience with ERP manufacturing systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
• Self-motivated, hands-on leadership style with strong organizational and time-management skills

What Will Help You Succeed

The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership with hands-on manufacturing expertise. You'll be comfortable spending time in the operation, making timely decisions, coaching employees, analyzing production performance, and partnering across departments to remove barriers.

A strong understanding of CNC machining and fabrication will be particularly important, as this position is expected to provide technical leadership when troubleshooting production and equipment challenges.