Production Team Manager

Position Summary:

The Production Team Manager will lead and oversee daily operations within the die casting department in an automotive manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and cost objectives are met while developing team members, optimizing casting processes, and maintaining equipment performance to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management:

Lead, coach, and develop a team of die casting production operators, technicians, and support staff to achieve department goals. Assign daily tasks, monitor performance, and provide feedback to ensure consistent execution of production plans. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

Production Operations:

Oversee daily die casting operations, including machine set-up, operation, and changeovers for high pressure, low pressure, and gravity casting equipment. Monitor cycle times, scrap rates, and production efficiency, implementing corrective actions as needed. Ensure production targets are met while maintaining high standards of product quality.

Process & Equipment Management:

Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to troubleshoot and resolve process issues. Ensure preventive maintenance schedules for die casting machines, furnaces, molds, and auxiliary equipment are followed. Identify and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, improve yields, and enhance energy efficiency.

Quality Assurance:

Enforce quality control procedures in line with IATF 16949 and customer requirements. Conduct root cause analysis for casting defects and drive corrective actions. Work closely with quality teams to ensure first-time quality (FTQ) targets are achieved.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance:

Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and plant safety regulations. Conduct safety audits and drive corrective/preventive actions to eliminate hazards. Promote 5S and safe working practices throughout the department.

Continuous Improvement:

Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to eliminate waste and optimize production flow. Participate in kaizen events and lead projects to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Qualifications:

Bachelor s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 5+ years of experience in die casting, preferably in the automotive industry. Proven leadership experience managing production teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of die casting process parameters, tooling, and equipment for multiple casting methods. Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving tools (PDCA, 8D, etc.). Familiarity with

IATF 16949, ISO

14001, and automotive quality standards. Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills. Proficient in MS Office and manufacturing execution systems (MES).

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, walk, and work in a manufacturing environment for extended periods. Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. and work in hot or noisy conditions typical of a foundry environment.