Production Department Manager

Wright Manufacturing is seeking an experienced Production Department 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 Production Department Manager provides leadership through two Group Leaders and eight 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 two 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. Requirements Qualified candidates for the role of Production Department Manager include those with: • 5+ years of manufacturing experience in welding, fabrication, metalworking, or a related production environment. • 3+ years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience. • Demonstrated ability to lead a sizable hourly workforce through frontline supervisors or team leaders. • Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills. • Ability to work effectively across multiple shifts and adjust working hours when necessary to support second-shift operations. Preferred qualifications include: • Experience with manufacturing commercial power equipment, automotive products, heavy equipment, or similar fabricated products. • Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, 5S, standard work, visual management, root-cause analysis, and continuous-improvement methodologies. • Experience with robotic welding or automated welding systems. • Experience with ERP/MRP and manufacturing performance-management systems. • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related discipline. Wright Manufacturing is proud to offer our Production Department Managers the following benefits: · Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance · Company Paid Life Insurance and long term disability · Health Savings Accounts/Flexible Spending Accounts · 401(k) with a company match of up to 4% of your contribution with full vesting upon eligibility · Paid Leaves starting at 80 hours per year + 40 hours of paid sick time · 8 PAID Holidays · Voluntary Short-term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance · Weekly pay checks Due to the volume of applications received only those applicants identified for the interview process will be contacted. We work hard and care deeply. Why? Because quality matters. Our customers depend on our team to build a quality product. At Wright Manufacturing, Inc. we are “More than just a mower”… Find out why at www.wrightmfg.com WMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer