Production Manager

Bluewater Hayes Inc.
Grand Rapids, MI

Our client is seeking a dynamic and hands-on 3rd Shift Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a high-volume fabrication environment. This role is ideal for a proven leader who thrives in fast-paced production settings, builds strong teams, and drives operational excellence across safety, quality, and performance.


You’ll play a critical role in ensuring production runs smoothly overnight—balancing people leadership, process optimization, and problem-solving in real time.


Projects You'll Work On

  • Driving execution of nightly production schedules while navigating real-time challenges such as equipment downtime, labor shortages, and material constraints
  • Leading cross-functional efforts to improve throughput, reduce scrap, and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
  • Implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S, standard work, and root cause problem solving
  • Partnering with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to resolve production issues and improve product reliability
  • Supporting rollout of new manufacturing processes, technologies, and continuous improvement programs


What You’ll Own

  • Full ownership of overnight manufacturing operations across multiple fabrication departments
  • Leadership and development of frontline supervisors and production teams
  • Execution of staffing strategies, including workforce planning and cross-training initiatives
  • Monitoring and improving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety, productivity, scrap, downtime, and delivery performance
  • Maintaining a safe, compliant, and highly productive work environment


What Experience You Should Bring

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in high-volume manufacturing
  • Demonstrated success leading teams in a fast-paced production environment
  • Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Experience working within a unionized environment (strongly preferred)
  • Ability to interpret production data, KPIs, and drive actionable insights
  • Familiarity with ERP or MES systems and production reporting tools
  • Strong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred


Leadership & Impact

  • Build and lead a high-performing team through coaching, accountability, and recognition
  • Foster a culture rooted in safety, respect, and continuous improvement
  • Address employee relations matters, including union interactions and grievance resolution
  • Champion training initiatives to elevate team capability and consistency


What Success Looks Like

  • Production targets consistently met or exceeded
  • Strong safety performance and regulatory compliance
  • Improved operational flow with reduced downtime and waste
  • Engaged workforce with clear accountability and ownership
  • Sustainable improvements driven through data and team involvement


Why This Role Stands Out

  • Opportunity to lead critical overnight operations with high visibility and impact
  • Direct influence on operational performance and team culture
  • Environment that values continuous improvement and employee engagement
  • Stable, established manufacturing organization with ongoing investment in operations

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