Production Manager

Manufacturing Manager

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Production Manager to lead daily operations at our custom steel fabrication facility. This key leadership role is responsible for overseeing CNC machining, paint, fabrication, and final assembly operations while ensuring alignment with company-wide strategic goals. The Production Manager will drive performance, quality, safety, and on-time delivery, all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability. As a member of the Management Team, the Production Manager will contribute to strategic planning, major business decisions, and the development of a high-performance workplace culture built on mutual trust and respect. This position also manages and improves the business processes to support organizational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and directly coordinate, with the production supervisor, all daily production operations, including CNC machining, fabrication, paint, and final assembly.
• Ensure production meets or exceeds quality standards, customer requirements, and delivery deadlines.
• Develop and maintain a master production schedule that optimizes capacity, labor, and material flow.
• Collaborate with procurement, engineering, quality, and sales to streamline and execute supply chain processes.
• Monitor plant metrics and take corrective actions to ensure optimal efficiency and output.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams while promoting a safe, respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Inspire and empower frontline teams to problem-solve and take ownership and responsibility for outcomes.
• Address employee issues proactively, support workforce development, and drive talent retention and growth.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives (e.g., 5S, Standard Work, Kaizen) to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Track and analyze KPIs to drive data-based decisions that enhance quality, efficiency, and cost control.
• Partner with engineering to improve manufacturability, reduce lead times, and optimize processes.
• Leverage ERP system for real-time production scheduling, labor management, and transparency.
• Champion a safety-first culture aligned with OSHA standards and company protocols.
• Conduct regular audits, lead root cause investigations, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance systems and proactively address non-conformances.
• Promote continuous quality improvement in all manufacturing processes and outcomes.
• Translate corporate strategic objectives into actionable plant-level initiatives.
• Provide leadership in plant capacity planning, equipment upgrades, and operational scaling.
• Lead change management efforts to support innovation and operational excellence.
• Report performance metrics to executive leadership and support business growth initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in metal fabrication environment.
• Proven success with Lean Manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining operations, including programming, tooling, and optimization.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams, production planning, and operational KPIs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in low-volume, high-mix, or made-to-order manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with steel fabrication processes.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems.

Work Environment

The work environment at our facility is dynamic and fast-paced, focusing on collaboration and innovation. The role requires interaction with various departments, utilizing technologies such as CNC machining and ERP systems. The facility promotes a safety-first culture with adherence to OSHA standards, and encourages a dress code that is appropriate for a manufacturing setting.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Owatonna, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actALENTaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.