The job opening is for a Production Manager, who will be a valuable member of Prestone Freehold plant's Leadership Team. The key responsibilities of the role include managing the overall production of an automotive chemicals and consumer products manufacturing plant that operates at a high volume. The ideal candidate should have proven experience in exceeding production goals and be a natural leader. The position will supervise the production of four liquid filling lines and a blow molding line that produces bottles of different sizes, ranging from less than one gallon to drums and totes. The Production Manager will be responsible for ensuring that the packaging line schedule is adhered to daily, including meeting production line standards, labor efficiencies, product quality, Good Manufacturing Practices compliance, and employee safety. Additionally, the role includes ensuring that the shift is adequately prepared to run, coordinating mechanical setups, product supply, and material supply from leads and warehousing that meets scheduled line start-up. The ideal candidate must be outgoing, entrepreneurial, a self-starter, technically talented, and possess strong leadership skills. Communication, coaching, and mentoring skills are essential, and the ability to enhance employee relations is highly desirable. The Production Manager will report to the Plant Manager.

Responsibilities

• Manage production lines to achieve production rates that meet or exceed standards, including efficient changeovers
• Train and manage team members' performance to ensure that each line is staffed with qualified and motivated individuals
• Identify product quality problems and implement corrective actions
• Evaluate and manage production counts, machine speeds, scrap, and downtime using theory of constraints or lean manufacturing techniques to achieve reliability
• Record and report accurate production counts, machine speeds, scrap counts, line down time, and other data as directed by the Production Manager
• Ensure an adequate supply of materials (skid tickets, skid records, gloves) (staging and de-staging)
• Use correct product labor/speed standard
• Enforce GMPs, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as company policies
• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of paperwork
• Deliver production requirements within deadlines (flexible work schedule)
• Have a strong desire to progress through promotion
• Forge relationships with business partners throughout the site. Communicate well and clearly, taking the time to understand manufacturing processes.
• Prepare new hire and annual performance reviews

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in engineering with 3+ years of team management experience is highly preferred. However, 10+ years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience with lean manufacturing practices and/or 5S will also be considered in lieu of a degree
• Ideal candidates will have knowledge of liquid filling and packaging operations, with blow molding and chemical manufacturing experience being a plus
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing plant operations
• Experience with SAP, JDE, or relevant ERP systems is required
• Experience with mechanical preventative maintenance systems
• Experience with Oracle & KRONOS and Intermediate to Advanced Excel is desired

Career Benefits

KIK offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including health, wellness, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. KIK's retirement savings options, including employer match, allow you to plan for your future. KIK also supports continuing education and offers Education Assistance to encourage employees' personal development and growth.

The ideal candidate should be proficient in:

• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• ISO 9001 Certification Experience
• Scheduling Experience
• High-level Operations Analysis
• Recruiting and Training Experience
• Budgeting / Forecasting Experience

The Production Manager will utilize the following machines and technologies:

• CAM Software
• CAD Software
• ERP Software

Salary info:

$106000 - $116000 / hr