Production

Production Operations Manager job description

A Production Operations Manager optimizes manufacturing efficiency, quality, and safety. Learn how a Production Operations Manager drives factory performance.

Published March 12, 2025Updated May 17, 20265337 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking a results-oriented Production Operations Manager to oversee our high-output manufacturing facility and drive our next phase of operational growth. You will take full ownership of production scheduling, staff development, and the implementation of advanced process automation to ensure we remain an industry leader in quality and efficiency. By collaborating with engineering, quality assurance, and procurement teams, you will optimize our value stream and foster a culture of safety-first performance. If you are passionate about precision manufacturing and transforming operational data into actionable production strategies, we want to hear from you.

Key highlights

Develop and execute master production schedules using ERP software to ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders while managing inventory turnover.
Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify process bottlenecks, reduce operational waste, and optimize cycle times on the production line.
Manage the maintenance and calibration schedules for critical industrial machinery, minimizing unplanned downtime and ensuring equipment reliability.
Establish and enforce strict adherence to OSHA safety protocols and quality management systems, including ISO 9001 certification standards.

What is a Production Operations Manager?

A Production Operations Manager is a strategic manufacturing leader responsible for orchestrating end-to-end factory floor activities to maximize throughput and operational excellence. By leveraging lean manufacturing methodologies and Six Sigma principles, a Production Operations Manager ensures that production cycles remain agile, cost-effective, and compliant with rigorous quality standards. Their oversight spans everything from supply chain synchronization to equipment lifecycle management, directly impacting the organization’s ability to meet market demand while maintaining high safety standards.

What does a Production Operations Manager do?

A Production Operations Manager directs daily manufacturing workflows, balancing labor allocation with machine capacity to meet aggressive output targets and quality KPIs. They utilize ERP systems like SAP or Oracle to track inventory levels, monitor production variances, and generate performance reports for executive stakeholders. Beyond data analysis, they actively lead shop-floor teams, troubleshoot mechanical bottlenecks with maintenance leads, and implement continuous improvement initiatives that reduce scrap rates and energy consumption across the plant.

Key responsibilities

Develop and execute master production schedules using ERP software to ensure timely fulfillment of customer orders while managing inventory turnover.
Implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to identify process bottlenecks, reduce operational waste, and optimize cycle times on the production line.
Manage the maintenance and calibration schedules for critical industrial machinery, minimizing unplanned downtime and ensuring equipment reliability.
Establish and enforce strict adherence to OSHA safety protocols and quality management systems, including ISO 9001 certification standards.
Analyze real-time production performance data to generate actionable reports that inform resource allocation and capital expenditure decisions.
Facilitate cross-departmental coordination between supply chain, maintenance, and quality control teams to resolve production delays and supply constraints.
Oversee shop-floor staffing levels, providing leadership and professional development to production leads and operators to improve team productivity.
Drive cost-reduction initiatives by auditing raw material usage, energy consumption, and overhead expenses within the manufacturing environment.

Requirements and skills

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, or a related technical discipline.
5+ years of hands-on experience in production management within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Proven proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or Epicor for resource planning and inventory tracking.
Advanced certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher) with a documented track record of process improvement.
Deep technical understanding of automated assembly, CNC machining, or injection molding equipment and their maintenance requirements.
Expertise in interpreting ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949 quality standards and applying them to daily manufacturing workflows.
Strong ability to translate complex manufacturing data into clear, actionable presentations for senior management and operations stakeholders.
Knowledge of OSHA workplace safety standards and experience leading safety audits or root cause analysis (RCA) investigations.

FAQs

What does a Production Operations Manager do on a daily basis?

A Production Operations Manager oversees the pulse of the manufacturing floor, ensuring that production quotas are met while maintaining safety and quality compliance. Daily tasks include reviewing production throughput reports, managing labor schedules, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions with maintenance teams, and identifying immediate process bottlenecks. They serve as the critical link between high-level management targets and the technical execution of production tasks.

What qualifications are required to be a Production Operations Manager?

Most employers require a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Management, complemented by several years of floor-level management experience. Proficiency in ERP systems, knowledge of ISO quality standards, and certifications such as Lean Six Sigma are highly sought after. Successful candidates typically demonstrate a strong blend of technical equipment knowledge and the ability to lead diverse, multi-shift production teams.

Who does a Production Operations Manager work with in a factory?

A Production Operations Manager acts as a hub, collaborating with quality assurance teams to ensure product standards, maintenance crews to ensure equipment uptime, and supply chain departments to ensure raw material availability. They also work closely with upper management to align production output with sales demand and regularly interact with shop-floor supervisors and human resources to manage workforce performance and safety.

Why is a Production Operations Manager important to a manufacturing business?

The Production Operations Manager is essential because they directly control the cost and efficiency of the product being sold. By minimizing waste, reducing downtime, and ensuring the highest safety standards, this role protects the company’s bottom line while ensuring customer delivery timelines are met. Effective managers in this role allow a company to scale its operations while keeping quality consistent and operational risks low.