Production / Engineering Manager

Position SummaryThe Manufacturing Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all day-to-day operations within the forge facility to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. This position provides leadership and direction to multiple manufacturing departments, including forging of steel products, machining, heat treatment, and supporting production functions. The Manufacturing Manager drives operational excellence through continuous improvement initiatives, employee development, production planning, quality assurance, and adherence to safety and regulatory requirements.The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with extensive experience in heavy manufacturing environments and a strong background in machining, forging and heat treatment operations. Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipDirect and coordinate daily manufacturing activities across all forge operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer requirements. Oversee operations including: Closed-die forging presses Mechanical and hydraulic press operations Machining departments Heat treatment operations Material handling and workflow coordination Secondary finishing processes Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency, throughput, and equipment utilization. Ensure effective communication and coordination between departments to maximize productivity and minimize downtime. Establish departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost. Safety and Environmental CompliancePromote and maintain a culture of safety throughout the facility. Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, and environmental standards. Conduct routine safety audits, inspections, and investigations of workplace incidents. Lead corrective and preventive actions to eliminate hazards and reduce risk. Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and maintain required certifications. Quality ManagementPartner with Quality personnel to ensure products meet customer specifications and internal standards. Investigate quality concerns and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives related to defects and scrap reduction. Ensure process controls and inspection requirements are consistently followed. Employee Leadership and DevelopmentLead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors, team leaders, and hourly employees. Foster employee engagement, accountability, and teamwork. Manage staffing levels to support production demands. Participate in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, performance evaluations, discipline, and succession planning. Support labor relations activities and administer policies consistent with collective bargaining agreements, where applicable. Continuous ImprovementChampion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve workflow, reduce waste, optimize labor utilization, and increase operational efficiency. Lead Kaizen events and process improvement projects. Monitor production metrics and use data-driven decision-making to improve performance. Maintenance and Equipment ReliabilityCollaborate with Maintenance to maximize equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime. Assist in developing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies. Support capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and process upgrades. Participate in evaluating equipment needs and recommending investments. Planning and Cost ControlWork closely with Production Planning and Supply Chain teams to ensure materials and resources are available to meet customer commitments. Monitor labor, scrap, overtime, and operational expenses to achieve budget objectives. Develop action plans to improve profitability and control manufacturing costs. Prepare reports and communicate operational performance to senior leadership.  QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible manufacturing leadership experience may be considered. ExperienceMinimum of 7–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within a forging, metal forming, or heavy industrial environment. Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory or management experience leading multiple departments and teams. Demonstrated experience overseeing: Forging operations Machining processes Heat treatment operations Production scheduling and workflow management Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.  Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThorough understanding of forging processes and downstream manufacturing operations. Strong knowledge of machining practices and heat treatment principles. Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety practices. Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to analyze data and develop strategic operational improvements. Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications. Experience utilizing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.   Work EnvironmentThis position operates primarily within a forge manufacturing facility. The Manufacturing Manager routinely works in production areas involving forging presses, machining centers, heat treat furnaces, and other industrial equipment. The role requires a visible presence on the production floor to support employees, address operational issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Safety performance and incident rates Production output and schedule attainment Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Scrap and rework reduction Labor efficiency and overtime management On-time delivery performance Employee engagement and retention Continuous improvement implementation and cost savings