Production Manager

Overview

Why work for us? Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

The Production
Manager is responsible for leading the plant manufacturing functions of the Firetower Plant in Tonawanda, NY. They will lead production teams in accomplishing facility goals and objectives in support of company business plans, while meeting established product line specifications, quality standards, productivity and maintenance objectives, housekeeping, and safety requirements. This role provides direction and development to the Shift Supervisors, fostering a high-performing culture focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

The Production
Manager ensures that safety, quality, productivity, and cost goals are met through effective leadership, coaching, and collaboration across departments. This leader also plays a key role in developing the long-term strategic plan for the operations function, supporting business growth and enhancing the plant’s overall performance and capabilities.

This role will collaborate frequently with QA, Human Resources, Accounting, Product Managers, and Engineering.

Reports to the Plant Manager.

• Safety and Compliance
  • Champion a zero-accident culture, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and Company HSEQ regulations.
  • Promote proactive safety leadership, hazard identification, and employee participation in safety initiatives.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

• Operational Excellence and Performance
  • Achieve production, yield, and delivery targets while optimizing cost and resource utilization.
  • Ensure compliance with quality standards and meet or exceed customer expectations for product and service.
  • Maintain optimal inventory levels to support business requirements.
  • Participate in continuous improvement efforts to drive operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

• Leadership and Team Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and Team Leads to build a strong and motivated production team.
  • Foster a culture of engagement, teamwork, and accountability through regular coaching and performance feedback.
  • Conduct monthly one-on-one coaching sessions with direct reports and complete annual performance appraisals.
  • Support the development of future leaders within the operations team.

• Strategic and Continuous Improvement
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to strengthen the operations function and support company growth.
  • Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives, process enhancements, and waste reduction opportunities.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams (QA, HR, Engineering, and Product Management) to align operational priorities with business objectives.

• Collaboration and Communication
  • Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of production changes and resource needs.
  • Participate in customer interactions as needed to ensure operational readiness and satisfaction.
  • Support HR in workforce planning, employee relations, and plant-wide engagement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Management, Manufacturing, Business or a related field (Technical degree preferred).
• 7-10 years of applicable experience, including at least 5 years of manufacturing/engineering supervisory experience in a continuous process environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement.
• Experience managing operations in a unionized manufacturing environment, including collaboration with union…