Production Manager Job Purpose The Production Manager provides strategic direction and hands-on operational leadership across the plant's production environment. Managing full end-to-end execution—from production planning through manufacturing, testing, warehousing, and shipment—this role ensures top-tier product quality, cost control, safe operations, and on-time customer delivery. The ideal candidate combines strong technical manufacturing expertise (PCBA, SMT, electro-mechanical assembly) with system-driven execution, continuous process improvement, and change leadership to drive high-performing, multi-shift teams in fast-paced NPI and production environments. Core Responsibilities 1.

Operations & Strategic Leadership Operational Execution:

Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations across all assigned areas for multi-shift execution, including shift handovers, capacity allocation, work order assignments, and performance monitoring.

Strategic & Financial Planning:

Partner with executive leadership and program management to establish long-term operational goals, performance targets, financial plans, direct/indirect labor budgets, and capital expenditure (CapEx) recommendations.

Culture & Change Management:

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, respect, open communication, and high performance while driving modern manufacturing methodologies across a diverse workforce. 2.

Production Planning, Scheduling & NPI Execution Master Execution:

Establish and manage daily, weekly, and monthly build plans and Estimated Completion Dates (ECDs) for backlog and new orders based on material availability, priorities, and capacity. New Product Introduction (NPI): Lead production operations through NPI/prototype build phases, bridging engineering transfer to full-volume production, ensuring DFM/DFT alignment, and mitigating ramp-up risks.

Resource Optimization:

Prioritize schedules around product introduction timelines, equipment efficiency, and material flows in high/low mix environments.

Cross-Functional Scheduling:

Coordinate critical test equipment and facilities (e.g., vibration test stands, environmental chambers, test suites) across Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.

Progress Reporting:

Track schedule execution against key milestones, institute real-time course corrections, and deliver weekly schedule/status updates to internal leadership and external clients.

Material Flow:

Partner with Purchasing, Stockroom, and Planning to ensure kits, components, and sub-assemblies are delivered to the floor on time to streamline throughput and eliminate floor constraints. 3.

Process Improvement, Quality & Certifications Lean/Six Sigma Leadership:

Lead gap analyses, cycle time reductions, yield improvements, and workflow optimizations using Lean/Six Sigma and statistical methods.

Quality Standards & Workmanship:

Ensure all floor assembly and manufacturing activities adhere strictly to ANSI J-STD-001 and

IPC-A-610

Class 2 & 3 IPC inspection standards.

QMS & Environmental Compliance:

Guarantee compliance with corporate quality systems and industry standards, including

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TL 9000, AS9100, ISO 13485

(where applicable), ITAR, and environmental safety management systems.

Technology & Process Integration:

Implement corporate process controls, integrate new manufacturing technologies, and oversee the development and documentation of standardized work instructions. 4.

People Management & Organizational Capability Staffing & Capacity:

Direct manpower planning, shift assignments, and overtime authorizations within budget guidelines in partnership with HR.

Team Development:

Select, train, coach, and mentor production supervisors and floor teams to expand technical capabilities, ensure IPC workmanship standards compliance, and build succession depth.

Contract & Order Reviews:

Participate in contract reviews for new orders and NPI programs to ensure production capability and readiness. Key Performance Metrics (KPIs) On-Time Delivery (OTD) & Schedule Adherence Production Yields, First-Pass Yield (FPY), & IPC Quality Adherence NPI Time-to-Market & Ramp Yield Success Capacity Utilization & Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Labor Efficiency, Productivity, and Overtime Budget Adherence Safety Record & Regulatory/QMS Audit Performance Qualifications Minimum Requirements Experience:

Minimum 15 years of direct, hands-on experience in manufacturing operations, production supervision, process engineering, or materials management.

NPI Expertise:

Proven hands-on experience driving New Product Introduction (NPI) and prototype builds, managing the transition from engineering release to volume production.

Industry Domain:

Proven experience in electronic contract manufacturing (EMS), high-tech, printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), and complex electro-mechanical systems integration in high/low mix environments.

Standards & Certifications Knowledge:

Demonstrated understanding and operational application of:

ISO 9001

(Quality Management) & ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) TL 9000 (Telecommunications QMS) Workmanship standards ANSI J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610, Class 2 & 3

Technical Depth:

Expert knowledge of SMT processes (reflow, wave soldering), through-hole/press-fit technology, process development, and manufacturing equipment capabilities.

Systems Proficiency:

Strong experience using tier-1 ERP/MRP platforms (e.g., Oracle, SAP) to support production flow and execution.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering (or a related discipline). An Associate degree (AS) or Electronics Technician certification with equivalent high-level experience will be considered.

Communication:

Full professional proficiency in written and spoken English with strong presentation and interdepartmental facilitation skills. Preferred Qualifications Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt continuous improvement certification. Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) or Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) in

IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001.

Direct experience managing multi-shift operations. Familiarity with

AS9100, ISO

13485, or ITAR environments. Working Conditions & Physical Demands Active presence on the manufacturing floor, subject to standard shop-floor noise and operational conditions. Ability to support multi-shift operations and work extended hours as necessary to meet customer schedules and NPI launch deadlines. Capability to analyze operational data, synthesize performance metrics, and deliver formal reports to executive management and key customers.