Manager Manufacturing-US

About Kennametal

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Manufacturing Manager

Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC

Job Summary

We are seeking a results-driven Manufacturing Manager to lead and oversee all production operations within our facility. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through effective production planning, performance management, and continuous improvement. The Manufacturing Manager ensures efficient daily operations by proactively identifying and resolving challenges related to staffing, scheduling, tooling, safety, quality, and production flow. This role also maintains a strong focus on business performance, cost control, and achievement of operational goals, while supporting facility and equipment reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Lead and manage all plant production activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute production schedules and monitor performance against established standards.
• Monitor daily operations and resolve issues related to staffing, scheduling, tooling, safety, quality, and production flow.
• Oversee maintenance of facility and equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic and tactical input to support achievement of business objectives.
• Translate organizational strategy into actionable plans for plant operations.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and projects with broad organizational impact.
• Identify emerging operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Financial & Business Accountability

• Accountable for departmental budget development, management, and adherence.
• Optimize operational efficiency to minimize cost exposure while maintaining performance targets.
• Oversee product and/or operational performance within a business unit ranging from approximately $50M-$300M in revenue or cost of goods sold (COGS).

Resource & Workforce Management

• Allocate resources effectively to meet short-term operational priorities.
• Support organizational design and workforce planning within the functional area.
• Ensure effective utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials.

Decision Making & Risk Management

• Make informed decisions using data analysis, integrated thinking, and sound judgment.
• Ensure decisions align with company policies, procedures, business plans, and functional objectives.
• Manage risks with potential short-term impact on operations and company assets.
• Provide input into broader decision-making processes within area of accountability.

Qualifications & Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational improvements.
• Proven experience in production management, process optimization, and performance management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication capabilities.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or diploma from a recognized technical institution or a related field preferred.
• 5-8 years of relevant leadership experience in a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Experience in the manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
• SAP experience is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact across all levels of the organization.

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.