Area manager, manufacturing operations

Job Summary

Provides first‑line leadership for production employees and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of daily manufacturing operations. This role directly manages people, equipment, and processes to achieve production, quality, safety, and delivery objectives.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervise and coordinate daily production activities for assigned lines, cells, or shifts.
• Assign labor, manage attendance, and adjust staffing based on production needs.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor productivity, quality, and scrap, and take corrective action as required.
• Lead shift start‑up, handoff, and daily accountability meetings.
• Address employee performance issues through coaching, feedback, and corrective action.
• Partner with maintenance and quality teams to resolve equipment and process issues.
• Ensure standard work and operating procedures are followed consistently.
• Investigate near misses, safety incidents, and quality issues at the line level.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Other duties as assigned.

*This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Employees are expected and encouraged to participate in safety and health program activities including immediately reporting hazards, immediately reporting unsafe work practices and incidents to supervisors, wearing required personal protective equipment, and participating in and supporting safety committee activities.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, operations, or a related field preferred. 6+ years of manufacturing, warehouse, industrial, or related experience. Prior leadership experience preferred.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of manufacturing processes, production workflows, and industrial safety requirements. Ability to lead hourly employees and hold individuals accountable for performance. Skill in managing daily priorities while balancing safety, quality, and production demands. Ability to communicate expectations and feedback clearly and consistently. Knowledge of quality standards and defect containment practices. Ability to analyze production issues and implement corrective actions. Ability to model professionalism, fairness, and company values in all interactions.

Operational Equipment

N/A

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

Packaging - Material Handler: Self-paced, 8 hr shifts. May be exposed to fumes, loud noises, and extreme temperatures infrequently. Functional near, far and peripheral vision and functional hearing required.

Physical Demands

Packaging - Material Handler: Heavy, lifting up to 85 lbs., pushing/pulling up to 280 lbs.