Production Manager

Value Stream Manager / Production Manager

Dakota Bodies - Liberty, MO

Full-Time | Manufacturing Leadership

Position Summary

Dakota Bodies is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Value Stream Manager / Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive operational excellence across assigned production areas. This role is responsible for the safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and continuous improvement of the value stream while developing a high-performing team culture focused on accountability, engagement, and customer satisfaction

.The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, possesses strong business acumen, and has a proven ability to inspire teams, improve processes, and achieve operational goals through Lean Manufacturing principles

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and production employees to achieve departmental and organizational objectives.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and succession planning activities.
• Foster effective communication across all levels of the organization.
• Promote employee development through training, mentoring, and leadership growth opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Direct daily manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets are achieved.
• Monitor production performance and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to improve operational efficiency and throughput.
• Ensure effective utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and resources.
• Drive standard work practices and operational consistency throughout the value stream.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, and corrective action processes.
• Investigate incidents and implement preventive measures to reduce risk and improve workplace safety.

Quality & Customer Focus

• Ensure products meet customer specifications and company quality standards.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to resolve issues and improve processes.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce defects and improve customer satisfaction.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including waste reduction, 5S, Kaizen events, visual management, and process standardization.
• Utilize key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for improvement and measure success.
• Support strategic projects that improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Promote a culture of innovation and problem-solving throughout the organization.

Planning & Business Performance

• Manage production schedules and resources to meet customer demand and business objectives.
• Monitor and control departmental budgets, labor costs, and operational expenses.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure material availability and smooth production flow.
• Analyze operational data and provide recommendations to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading supervisors and production teams.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze data, solve complex problems, and make sound business decisions.

Preferred

• Experience in fabrication, welding, metal manufacturing, or truck body production.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement certification.
• Experience managing multiple departments or a complete value stream.

What Success Looks Like

• Safe, engaged, and high-performing teams.
• Consistent achievement of production, quality, and delivery goals.
• Reduced waste and improved operational efficiency.
• Strong employee retention and development.
• Continuous improvement culture that drives business growth and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing or fabrication, including at least 2 years leading other supervisors or team leads.
• A proven track record of developing front-line leaders and promoting from within.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of fabrication processes such as cutting, forming, press brake and MIG welding of steel and/or aluminum.
• Ability to read blueprints and work instructions.
• Experience managing production schedules, staffing and material flow to meet deadlines.
• Strong safety leadership and working knowledge of OSHA requirements.
• Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience launching or ramping up a new facility, line or department.
• Background in truck bodies, upfitting, trailers, heavy equipment or other custom, made-to-order manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training or certification; hands-on use of 5S, Kaizen and tiered daily management.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and KPI reporting.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in business, engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• OSHA 30 certification.

What we offer

• The chance to help launch and shape a brand-new, expanding facility.
• Real impact: the leaders you develop will run this plant for years.
• A growing company that invests in its people, its technology and its future.
• Competitive Compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits Package