Factory Production Manager

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Our client is a well-established, family-owned manufacturing company with 78 years of excellence in custom foam products. They are seeking an experienced Factory Production Manager to lead their Sylacauga, Alabama facility.</p><p>The ideal candidate will be passionate about lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams. </p><p>Cultural fit is paramount—the successful candidate must demonstrate humility, hunger for results, and strong interpersonal intelligence.

Those who prefer corporate environments or are uncomfortable with hands-on, collaborative leadership may not find this role fulfilling.</p><h3>Key Responsibilities</h3><ul><li>Lead and manage all aspects of the manufacturing operation, including warehousing, production, housekeeping, quality assurance, finished goods, and distribution.</li><li>Champion lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies, driving continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, optimise quality, and maximise efficiency.</li><li>Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team through effective recruitment, selection, training, coaching, and performance management.

Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.</li><li>Implement and oversee new manufacturing initiatives, including strategic resource allocation, process optimisation, and adherence to best manufacturing practices.</li><li>Control product flow from receipt through storage to distribution, ensuring optimal inventory levels through just-in-time principles and strategic production planning.</li><li>Maintain a safe and compliant work environment by enforcing health and safety policies, procedures, and legal requirements (federal, state, and local regulations).</li><li>Conduct regular time studies and production method reviews to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost reduction.</li><li>Prepare and present operational reports by collecting, analysing, and summarising key performance indicators and production data.</li></ul><p><strong>Requirements</strong></p><p><strong>Experience &amp; Education</strong></p><ul><li>Proven experience in manufacturing operations management with demonstrated leadership of production teams.</li><li>Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, with the ability to apply these concepts to drive measurable improvements.</li><li>Relevant qualifications in manufacturing, operations management, industrial engineering, or a related discipline.</li></ul><p><strong>Core Competencies</strong></p><ul><li>Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex operational challenges and maintain productivity targets.</li><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across all organisational levels, adjust communication style to fit different situations, and demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence.</li><li>Demonstrated expertise in scheduling, managing operational complexity, and conflict resolution.</li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong general computer skills.</li><li>Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control principles.</li><li>Reasonable level of physical fitness to meet the demands of an active manufacturing environment.</li></ul><p><strong>Personal Attributes</strong></p><ul><li>Humble: Compliments others freely, willingly takes on tasks regardless of level, readily acknowledges weaknesses and mistakes, shares credit generously.</li><li>Hungry: Does more than required, feels personal responsibility for team success, passionate about the mission, seeks opportunities to contribute beyond core responsibilities.</li></ul><p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>Experience in custom manufacturing or foam products industry.</li><li>Experience managing multi-shift operations.</li><li>Background in quality management systems (ISO, etc.).</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><p><strong>Base Salary: </strong>$80,000 - $110,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications)</p><p><strong>Employment Type: </strong>Full-time, First Shift</p><p><strong>Comprehensive Benefits Include:</strong></p><p>

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Health insurance (medical coverage)</p><p>
• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Paid holiday leave</p><p>
• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Paid vacation time</p><p>
• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan</p><p></p><p>Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.</p><p>To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit</p><p><a href="https://www.kellerexecutivesearch.com/executive-recruiters-headhunters-huntsville-birmingham-montgomery-alabama/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" class="external">Executive Recruiters Huntsville, Birmingham, and Montgomery: Headhunters in Alabama</a></p><p></p><p>Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy&nbsp;</p><p>Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:&nbsp;Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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