Production Manager

Americhem is a globally recognized designer and manufacturer of custom color masterbatch, functional additives, engineered compounds and performance technologies. Our business is built around delivering Performance, Solutions and Trust through close collaboration with customers seeking to optimize their polymer products. All of our products are backed by complete technical support that ensures quality, reliability, and value.

The Production Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing and logistics operations to safely deliver high quality products on time and at the right cost. This role oversees production planning, workforce utilization, inventory management, operational performance, and continuous improvement to ensure customer requirements are consistently met.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, the Production Manager drives operational excellence and partners closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and other functional leaders to improve productivity, strengthen capabilities, optimize assets, and enhance the facility's overall competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production and Logistics operations, establishing priorities, performance expectations, and accountability while ensuring safe and efficient operations.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives focused on productivity, quality, cost, capacity, and customer service.
• Develop and manage production schedules, ensuring customer requirements and lead times are consistently met.
• Monitor and improve production performance, including yields, losses, productivity, quality, equipment effectiveness, and OEE.
• Optimize labor, materials, equipment, inventory, and other resources to maximize efficiency and asset utilization.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to improve processes, resolve operational issues, and support product and process development.
• Oversee inventory management and capital/equipment needs to support service levels, operational effectiveness, and business objectives.
• Use Oracle and other systems to analyze operational data, track key metrics, identify trends, and drive data-based decisions.
• Lead and develop employees through performance management, coaching, succession planning, employee relations, and workforce development.
• Own the Work Force Development and training program, partnering with HR, Quality, and Team Leaders to ensure effective training, cross-training, and operator development in support of ISO/IATF standards.
• Manage department performance within budget and actively contribute to plant strategy and overall leadership initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing management experience, preferably within process manufacturing or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience in color, additives, polymers, resins, paints, inks, plastics, or other related specialty materials industries strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience applying Lean Manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement.
• Extrusion process experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Oracle or similar ERP systems.
• APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP) and/or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.

Desired Qualities/Attributes

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to effectively prioritize multiple initiatives.
• A bias for action and a strong sense of urgency.
• A customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance service expectations with manufacturing realities.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, relationship building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• A results-driven approach with a high level of accountability and ownership.
• The ability to lead projects and initiatives from concept through execution.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving capabilities