Production Manager

E&R Cleaners is seeking an experienced, results-driven Production Manager to lead our production operations to the next level of performance and growth. We are a successful, family-owned business with over 180 employees, committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, safety, and a positive workplace culture.

The Production Manager is a hands-on, people-centered leader with full accountability for plant performance. This role directs and strategically manages all plant operations with responsibility for production output, quality, safety, employee development, financial performance, and customer impact. The Production Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and General Manager (GM) and works closely with the Senior Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Provide direct and indirect leadership over all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance coordination, staffing, and employee training.
• Establish, track, and continuously improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to productivity, efficiency, quality, labor utilization, cost control, safety, customer impact, and employee engagement.
• Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement, ensuring expectations and performance standards are clearly understood at all levels.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute daily plant activities in partnership with department managers and team leaders to ensure production objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Manage and schedule a workforce of up to 200 employees, ensuring proper staffing levels aligned with production demands.
• Partner with Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and the application of progressive discipline when necessary.
• Champion employee training and development, including onboarding, cross-training, leadership development, and continuous learning initiatives.
• Develop, manage, and control plant budgets, labor plans, and profitability, with strong oversight of operating expenses, wages, and capital investments.
• Implement cost-effective systems and controls to minimize overtime, waste, rework, premium freight, and repair expenses.
• Monitor and improve overall plant performance related to quality standards, throughput, safety, and efficiency using data-driven decision-making.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performance culture that promotes teamwork, engagement, accountability, and employee retention.
• Ensure high standards of plant organization, housekeeping, cleanliness, and safety, conducting regular walk-throughs and reinforcing best practices.
• Collaborate closely with the Maintenance Manager to maintain and improve plant facilities and equipment, proactively addressing operational risks.
• Collaborate closely with the Customer Service Manager to monitor system breakdowns, service disruptions, and customer-related issues; ensure rapid root-cause analysis, timely resolution, and preventive actions.
• Ensure full compliance with Safety & Health policies, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), participation in emergency drills, and adherence to all company safety protocols.
• Complete all required documentation, reporting, and production metrics in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in and/or lead production, staffing, safety, and continuous improvement meetings.
• Actively work within departments as needed to support production requirements.
• Communicate areas of concern, risks, and opportunities clearly to the CEO and GM.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business needs.

Core Competencies & Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a production, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Strong KPI and performance management skills with the ability to translate data into actionable improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a positive culture rooted in accountability, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a high level of employee relations capability.
• Firm understanding of employee relations and progressive discipline best practices.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills in fast-paced operational settings.
• Strong financial acumen, including solid P&L knowledge and budget management experience.
• Experience streamlining processes and improving operational efficiency; LEAN manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with a keen sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times.
• Bi-lingual skills a plus.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of management experience, preferably in production or manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated experience developing teams, implementing training programs, and leading through change.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed primarily in a production plant environment with exposure to noise, heat, dust, fumes, chemicals, and moving machinery.
• May require work in tight or physically demanding spaces while coordinating maintenance or production needs.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions year-round when performing facility-related duties.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, climb, reach, push, pull, and sit or stand for extended periods.
• Must be capable of lifting and maneuvering up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to work in elevated temperatures while wearing required PPE.

Success Metrics (First 6-12 Months)

The successful Production Manager will be measured on clear, objective performance outcomes. Expected results within the first 6-12 months include:

• Operational Performance:
• Achieve sustained improvement in key production KPIs, including throughput, efficiency, on-time completion, and quality metrics.
• Reduce rework, errors, and waste through standardized processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Labor & Cost Management:
• Improve labor utilization and scheduling effectiveness, resulting in measurable reductions in overtime and premium labor costs.
• Demonstrate improved cost control across utilities, supplies, repairs, and maintenance-related expenses while maintaining quality standards.
• Quality & Customer Impact:
• Improve internal quality metrics and reduce customer complaints tied to production or system failures.
• Establish effective cross-functional communication with Customer Service to ensure faster issue resolution and preventive action implementation.
• People Development & Culture:
• Build a visible culture of accountability, respect, and engagement across all production teams.
• Implement consistent training, onboarding, and cross-training programs for production staff and supervisors.
• Improve supervisor effectiveness through coaching, performance management, and leadership development.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Strengthen safety awareness and compliance, reducing recordable incidents and reinforcing PPE and safety protocol adherence.
• Conduct regular safety walk-throughs and corrective action follow-ups.
• Leadership & Communication:
• Establish strong credibility and trust with frontline employees, supervisors, and senior leadership.
• Provide timely, accurate reporting and clear communication on plant performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.

Standards of Conduct

Employees are expected to uphold E&R Cleaners' commitment to excellence in service, safety, professionalism, and compliance with all company policies and procedures. The company reserves the right to modify this job description as business needs evolve.

Total Compensation Package between $85k-$125 based on experience.