Manufacturing Manager
Description
The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for the daily execution and performance of all production operations, ensuring that work flows efficiently through Manufacturing while meeting company standards for quality, timeliness, and cost control.
This role maintains a constant, real-time pulse on production—understanding where every project stands, where risks exist, and where priorities need to shift. The Manufacturing Manager ensures that team members are aligned, work is progressing as expected, and obstacles are identified and addressed before they impact delivery.
The Manufacturing Manager directs the day-to-day activities of the production team, balancing hands-on awareness with operational oversight. While capable of stepping into production when needed, this role primarily drives results through coordination, prioritization, and leadership—not individual contribution.
Working closely with the Manufacturing Director, this role ensures that daily execution aligns with broader company goals. The Manager focuses on maintaining flow, reinforcing accountability, and driving consistency, while the Director maintains responsibility for long-term planning, people development, and overall departmental leadership.
A successful Manufacturing Manager demonstrates strong ownership, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining team momentum and morale. This role requires both attention to detail and the ability to see the bigger picture, ensuring production runs smoothly without constant escalation.
The Manufacturing Manager works within company systems (ClickUp, Salesforce, NetSuite, etc.) to maintain accurate, real-time visibility into production status and ensure alignment across departments.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in signage, fabrication, or manufacturing environments
- Demonstrated ability to lead production workflow in a fast-paced environment
- Strong understanding of multiple production disciplines and processes
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to manage shifting priorities with a high level of accountability
- Strong problem-solving skills and decision-making ability
- Experience with production scheduling and workflow coordination
- High attention to detail with a focus on quality and efficiency
- Ability to lead through influence, direction, and clarity
Key Responsibilities
Production Execution & Flow
- Own and execute the daily and weekly production schedule
- Maintain real-time awareness of project status across all production areas
- Adjust priorities and resources to prevent bottlenecks and delays
- Ensure all work is aligned with project timelines and commitments
Team Direction & Daily Leadership
- Direct day-to-day activities of all production team members
- Provide clear priorities and expectations to maintain consistent output
- Reinforce accountability for productivity, quality, and timeliness
- Maintain awareness of team engagement and morale, addressing issues proactively
- Support onboarding and ongoing development of team members
Workflow & Priority Management
- Balance labor and resources based on workload and deadlines
- Identify risks early and adjust plans to maintain production flow
- Coordinate closely with Project Management to align schedules and expectations
- Ensure install staging areas are complete, accurate, and on time
Quality & Operational Consistency
- Ensure all work meets established quality standards
- Identify and address root causes of rework or inefficiencies
- Reinforce use of engineering documentation, checklists, and SOPs
- Conduct regular checks on work in progress and completed items
Cross-Functional Communication
- Serve as the primary day-to-day coordination point between Manufacturing, PM, Logistics, and Install
- Communicate risks, delays, and changes proactively
- Ensure accurate and timely updates in all production systems
- Align daily execution with broader project and company priorities
Operational Systems & Visibility
- Maintain accurate production data in designated systems
- Track and monitor production performance (throughput, delays, efficiency)
- Provide clear visibility into production status and constraints
- Identify and recommend process improvements
Safety & Shop Standards
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment
- Ensure adherence to all safety protocols
- Monitor equipment usage and escalate maintenance needs