Area Manager; Production Manager

What You Will Do

As an Area Manager (Production Manager equivalent), you will lead daily production operations for a major portion of the plant. Reporting to senior plant leadership, you will be accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and—most importantly—people leadership across multiple shifts in a union manufacturing environment. This role is fully onsite and critical to building strong frontline leadership and sustained operational performance.

• Lead, coach, and develop 3–4 Production Supervisors who collectively oversee approximately 90 union employees across multiple shifts.
• Own daily production execution, staffing, and performance through participation in daily production and operations meetings.
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks, system constraints, and workflow issues in partnership with maintenance, quality, supply chain, and planning teams.
• Drive employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement through structured leadership routines and clear communication.
• Utilize ERP and manufacturing systems (e.g., SAP, QAD) to manage inventory flow, production scheduling, and performance tracking.
• Lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 5S, engagement initiatives, productivity improvements), demonstrating measurable year-over‑year progress.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Experience managing leaders who manage others (i.e., supervisors leading frontline teams).
• Working knowledge of ERP or manufacturing execution systems (SAP, QAD, or similar).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly delegate, prioritize, and organize work across shifts.

• 1–3 years in a similar Area Manager / Production Manager role overseeing supervisors.
• Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment operating 24/5 or similar schedules.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., 5S, engagement, productivity) with sustained results over time.
• Proven mentorship experience, including developing or promoting supervisors or team members.
• Strong project planning and execution skills in a fast‑paced production environment.

Our fully integrated plant near Portland, Oregon manufactures batteries for cars, boats, motorcycles, and heavy‑duty trucks. We opened our doors in 1973 and now employ more than 235 people and operate six days per week. Our employees are actively involved in the community and support a variety of local organizations, including the Rotary Club and neighborhood schools.

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire
• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts
• Parental and caregiver leave programs
• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short‑and long‑term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and domestic partner benefits
• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership
• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full‑service cafeteria and workout facility
• Clarios has been recognized as one of 2025's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the third consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

Clarios is the force behind the world’s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we’re not just making batteries;

we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios—where your power meets endless possibilities.

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