About the Company
Tsubaki Nakashima (TN) has been at the forefront of precision manufacturing since 1936, producing over 20,000 components engineered from ceramics, steel, and plastics. Our portfolio includes high-precision balls, rollers, large-scale blowers, and custom injection-molded solutions designed for demanding applications across automotive, industrial, aerospace, and medical fields.
Backed by nine decades of expertise and a commitment to sustainability and operational excellence, our people power the solutions that shape global motion and innovation.
The Production Manager is responsible for leading all day‑to‑day production operations, ensuring efficient workflow, optimal use of resources, and consistent delivery of quality products on schedule. This role drives Lean practices, 5S, and continuous improvement throughout the production area while providing strong leadership, clear direction, and accountability across the team. The Production Manager oversees production performance, materials flow, scheduling adherence, and inventory to support operational excellence.
Key Responsabilities:
- Lead daily production operations, ensuring all work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production schedules.
- Develop, communicate, and maintain the production schedule in partnership with planning, purchasing, and customer service.
- Ensure clear communication of priorities, schedule updates, and production expectations across all shifts.
- Drive Lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, Kaizen, waste reduction, and visual management to improve productivity and workflow.
- Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize equipment utilization, reduce downtime, and streamline processes.
- Provide strong, hands‑on leadership to production teams, setting expectations, coaching performance, and fostering a culture of accountability.
- Monitor work progress, resolve bottlenecks, and make real‑time adjustments to meet delivery commitments.
- Use advanced Excel skills to support scheduling, capacity planning, metrics tracking, labor planning, and production reporting.
- Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality to address equipment issues, improve reliability, and resolve production concerns.
- Ensure inventory accuracy by coordinating material movements, WIP controls, and proper usage of raw materials.
- Partner with leadership to forecast staffing needs and ensure proper allocation of personnel to support production requirements.
- Conduct daily Gemba walks to evaluate performance, verify standard work adherence, and identify improvement opportunities.
- Develop and deliver training to employees to reinforce standard work, safety expectations, Lean principles, and job proficiency.
- Maintain compliance with safety procedures, housekeeping expectations, and workplace organization standards (5S).
- Communicate operational status, challenges, and results to leadership and key stakeholders.
- Support policy and procedure improvements to strengthen operational consistency and efficiency.
- Other projects and/or responsibilities as directed by the plant manager.
Supervisory Responsabilities:
This role directly supervises Shift Supervisors and may have indirect oversight of production associates, leads, or support personnel.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Production Management, Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience demonstrating strong capability.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing leadership or supervisory experience.
- Proven leadership ability with demonstrated success in team development, coaching, and motivating employees.
- Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement concepts and tools.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, XLOOKUP, charts, data analysis).
- Experience in production scheduling, capacity planning, and inventory control.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to act decisively in fast‑paced environments.
- APICS CPIM or similar Production & Inventory Management certification preferred.
- Additional training in Lean methodologies or proven experience leading Kaizen events preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Frequent walking, standing, and use of hands in production areas.
- Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, or lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Regular exposure to manufacturing environments including machinery, noise, temperature changes, and airborne particles.
- Hearing protection, steel‑toe shoes, safety glasses, and PPE required in designated areas.
Salary & Benefits:
- Salary range between $75,000 to $90,000
- 401(k) Program
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Short Term and Long Term Disability
- Time Off (PTO) + Holidays
