Production Manager I

Essential Functions:

• Lead and coordinate teams to achieve operational targets and departmental objectives.


• Communicate company goals clearly to ensure alignment across all teams.


• Prioritize daily activities to support efficient execution and goal achievement.


• Build strong working relationships within the group and with cross‑functional partners.


• Drive improvement projects proactively with minimal direction, leading cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable results.


• Understand and improve plant KPIs by identifying gaps, driving corrective actions, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.


• Improve operating systems related to sample production, customer feedback, cross‑functional interactions, and internal communication.


• Support a safe, healthy work environment and promote positive employee well‑being.


• Audit key processes including production performance, safety systems, customer returns, and productivity improvements.


• Plan workforce needs and defines training requirements in partnership with leadership.


• Monitor team well‑being through ongoing engagement and support.


• Evaluate equipment upgrades and capital needs with technical leaders.


• Uphold NSG/Pilkington Standards of Business Conduct, Values, and Principles.


• Contribute to plant strategy as part of the leadership team.


• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Top 3 Competencies Needed for Success in the Role:

1. Leadership & Team Development

The ability to lead multiple teams, set direction, coach supervisors, and maintain strong cross‑functional relationships. Automotive plants move fast — a successful manager must influence, motivate, and align people daily.

1. Operational Excellence & KPI Ownership

A strong grasp of plant KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People) and the ability to diagnose gaps, drive corrective actions, and sustain improvements. This competency separates average managers from high performers in automotive manufacturing.

1. Continuous Improvement & Problem‑Solving

The role requires proactively leading improvement projects with minimal direction, using structured problem‑solving (A3, 5‑Why, PDCA, DMAIC) and coordinating cross‑functional teams to deliver measurable results.