Description
Position Summary
The Production Manager - Cooler Manufacturing Operations is responsible for leading multiple production departments to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing performance. This role provides strategic and hands-on leadership to frontline supervisors and production teams, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and alignment with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead daily operations across multiple manufacturing departments (Fin/Profile, Core Assembly, CAB, Weld Preparation and Cooler or similar functions)
- Ensure production targets, quality standards, and delivery schedules are consistently met
- Make real-time operational decisions to optimize safety, efficiency, and output
- Monitor and adjust staffing, scheduling, and workflow to meet production demands
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors and production employees
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement
- Conduct performance reviews, set goals, and support employee development
- Partner with HR on hiring, employee relations, and workforce planning
Production Planning & Execution
- Oversee production metrics, reporting, and performance tracking
- Manage a low volume and high mix production schedule within SAP environment
- Lead daily production meetings and communicate priorities across teams
- Ensure accurate timekeeping, staffing alignment, and labor efficiency
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and implement process improvements, cost reductions, and waste elimination
- Drive operational efficiency through data analysis and problem-solving
- Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and environmental requirements
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure proper use of PPE and equipment
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- 7–10+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role (Manager, or equivalent)
- Experience leading multiple production areas or departments in a manufacturing environment – Heat exchanger manufacturing experience preferred
- Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
- Ability to analyze production data and drive performance improvements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing systems (ERP/MRP SAP preferred)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings or blueprints
Preferred:
- Experience in heavy manufacturing, industrial production, or engineered products - Heat exchanger manufacturing experience preferred
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
- Experience managing low volume high mix production environments
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Manufacturing and warehouse environment
- Ability to walk the production floor regularly and engage with teams
- Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs) and use of standard industrial equipment
- Required use of PPE (steel toe shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection)
Additional Information
- This role requires flexibility to support multiple shifts as needed
- Regular on-site presence is essential to lead and support operations
- Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs
Skills Required
- 7-10+ years of manufacturing experience
- 3-5 years in a leadership role (Manager or equivalent)
- Experience leading multiple production areas or departments
- Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills
- Ability to analyze production data and drive performance improvements
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Proficiency with manufacturing systems / ERP or MRP (experience with SAP preferred)
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings or blueprints
- Ability to walk the production floor regularly and engage with teams; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs; required use of PPE
- Flexibility to support multiple shifts and regular on-site presence
- Heat exchanger manufacturing experience
- Experience in heavy manufacturing, industrial production, or engineered products
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
- Experience managing low volume, high mix production environments
What We Do
AKG North America, Inc., part of the global AKG Group, is a leading manufacturer with over a century of expertise in high-performance heat exchangers and thermal management systems. The company provides advanced cooling solutions for diverse sectors, including automotive, agriculture, construction, and mining, leveraging innovative German engineering to deliver reliable thermal management for industrial machinery and transport systems worldwide.
