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Production Operations Manager/Plant Manager

  • Fraser, MI

Production Operations Manager

Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Pay: Based on Experience
Industry: CNC Manufacturing / Precision Machining

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Production Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a high-mix, low-volume CNC machining environment. This position will oversee production execution, scheduling, staffing, machine utilization, capacity planning, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in CNC manufacturing and production leadership, with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to coordinate Production, Programming/Design, Tooling, Materials, Quality, and other functions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day production operations within a high-mix, low-volume CNC machining environment, with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and overall execution. 
  • Coordinate production priorities, machine assignments, staffing, and workflow based on customer requirements, available capacity, and current shop conditions. 
  • Maintain visibility of active and upcoming work and proactively identify constraints involving capacity, staffing, programming, tooling, materials, inspection, and outside processing. 
  • Monitor production schedules, identify jobs at risk, and coordinate recovery plans and resources to keep late, prototype, high-priority, and customer-critical work moving. 
  • Lead daily production meetings to establish priorities, review job status, address constraints, and assign actions. 
  • Serve as the primary operational escalation point and make timely decisions to resolve issues and maintain production flow. 
  • Monitor production KPIs including throughput, machine utilization, efficiency, quality, and delivery performance. 
  • Lead continuous-improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput and productive capacity while reducing setup time, cycle time, downtime, scrap, rework, and other manufacturing waste. 
  • Evaluate and implement opportunities involving automation, palletization, unattended machining, tooling, and manufacturing technology. 
  • Develop and improve production procedures, workflows, and standard work. 
  • Identify current and future operational constraints and participate in planning, budgeting, capital equipment evaluation, staffing, and resource allocation. 
  • Provide operational leadership and visibility into production status, delivery risks, capacity, staffing, quality, inventory, and other significant operational concerns. 

CNC Manufacturing & Technical Leadership

  • Provide technical leadership for CNC manufacturing and process development. 
  • Lead and support the Programming/Design function and make decisions regarding manufacturing strategy, machining approach, tooling, workholding, fixtures, process planning, automation, and prove-out. 
  • Resolve complex manufacturing and machining challenges and provide technical direction when issues arise. 
  • Partner with Quality, CMM resources, Sales, and customers to interpret dimensional results and resolve manufacturing and inspection issues. 
  • Develop recovery plans and drive challenging jobs through successful completion and customer acceptance. 

Materials, Inventory & Systems

  • Oversee materials, inventory, warehouse, and manufacturing systems. 
  • Maintain inventory accuracy, cycle counting, lot traceability, and effective material flow. 
  • Ensure effective use of ERP, shop-floor tracking, and machine-monitoring systems to maintain accurate real-time production and inventory visibility. 
  • Identify opportunities to improve material flow, inventory control, and manufacturing system utilization. 

Team Leadership

  • Lead and develop the Production, Programming/Design, and Materials teams. 
  • Manage staffing, coaching, training, performance management, timecards/PTO, and employee relations in partnership with HR. 
  • Establish clear expectations and accountability while developing a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and operational ownership. 
  • Support hiring, training, and development of team members as needed. 

Qualifications

  • Previous experience in Production Management, Operations Management, or Manufacturing Management. 
  • Extensive experience in a CNC machining / precision manufacturing environment. 
  • Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, workholding, programming, production planning, and manufacturing processes. 
  • Experience managing high-mix, low-volume manufacturing preferred. 
  • Experience with production scheduling, capacity planning, staffing, and machine utilization. 
  • Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems. 
  • Ability to read and understand manufacturing drawings and dimensional requirements. 
  • Experience working with Quality/CMM, inspection, tooling, programming, and engineering teams. 
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. 
  • Previous experience leading and developing manufacturing personnel. 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Linked, LLC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate and embrace differences and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Our goal is to ensure that every employee and applicant is treated with respect and fairness. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support diverse needs throughout the hiring process. Linked, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to fostering a work environment where everyone can thrive.