Manager of Production Operations – Powders

What makes us strong? Our employees in 50 countries worldwide – all working with passion to enable high-tech applications with our strong metals: tungsten and molybdenum.

Our GTP site in Towanda PA specializes in recycling tungsten and manufacturing premium quality tungsten powders—the essential first step in producing high-performance materials for global applications. We proudly support the U.S. aerospace and defense sectors by supplying strategic resources critical to national security and advanced manufacturing.

Join a highly motivated team in Towanda, USA, where local expertise meets the global knowledge and values of the Plansee Group.

Position Overview: The Manager of Production Operations is responsible for leading and developing the manufacturing workforce to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations. This role focuses on people leadership, team engagement, and process optimization, working in partnership with the Engineering Manager (who oversees product and technical processes). This role ensures that business processes run smoothly, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities Would Include:

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and mentor production supervisors and frontline employees to achieve operational goals.
• Drive employee engagement, morale, and retention through effective communication and recognition programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a strong safety culture.
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling, and staffing to meet production demands.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring adherence to established business processes and quality standards.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Development Manager to align operational goals with technical requirements.
• Monitor KPIs (productivity, efficiency, labor utilization) and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on workflow, resource allocation, and cost control.

Production Equipment and Infrastructure

• Monitor state and lifetime of all production equipment, coordinate repairs, and services together with Maintenance, Engineering and external partners.
• Contribute to development of production infrastructure (layout, Capex planning & execution)

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to resolve issues impacting production.
• Serve as a key liaison between leadership and the shop floor, ensuring transparency and alignment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Strong people management skills with a proven ability to build high-performing teams.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• 24/7 Fitness Center

The Manager of Production Operations is responsible for leading and developing the manufacturing workforce to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations. This role focuses on people leadership, team engagement, and process optimization, working in partnership with the Engineering Manager (who oversees product and technical processes). This role ensures that business processes run smoothly, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

In order to conform with U.S. government regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)3, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Plansee Group USA