Manufacturing Manager

Overview

The Manufacturing Manager owns and leads all manufacturing operations in a highly customized (High Mix / Low Volume) metal fabrication environment. This role is accountable for manufacturing performance end-to-end - safety, quality, delivery, cost, and workforce capability, while aligning day-to-day execution with the company’s broader operational and business strategy. In addition to running the shop, the Manufacturing Manager sets and executes manufacturing strategy, partners closely with cross-functional teams, and leads the organization through change, growth, and complexity.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance operational rigor with flexibility, develop strong teams, and continuously improve how work gets done.

Location: Trussville, AL

• Own manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity in a highly customized production environment.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support business objectives, capacity needs, and profitable growth.
• Plan, organize, and manage daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules while maintaining flexibility for custom and diverse product mixes.
• Optimize asset utilization, labor deployment, and capacity planning to improve throughput, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Maintain accountability for production output, product quality, and on-time shipment.

• Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Sales, and Finance to improve manufacturability, planning accuracy, and cost performance.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and custom project execution typical of an HMLV environment.
• Provide manufacturing input into business planning, capital investments, and continuous improvement priorities.

• Establish and maintain systems, metrics, and KPIs to monitor productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and return on assets.
• Analyze production data to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma preferred) that drive measurable operational and financial results.
• Lead the manufacturing organization through change, growth, and increasing operational complexity while maintaining stability and engagement.

• Champion a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability across the manufacturing organization.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Enforce quality standards and support quality control programs to ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing manufacturing team, including hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance management.
• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, and development opportunities to build bench strength and succession capability.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable work environment, particularly among experienced operators and supervisors.

• Own manufacturing cost performance, including labor efficiency, overtime, scrap, rework, and productivity.
• Manage manufacturing budgets and drive cost improvements that positively impact gross margin and cash flow.
• Prepare and present clear, data-driven reports on manufacturing performance, trends, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.

• Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Management, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on manufacturing experience will be considered.
• Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing leadership experience in a highly customized production environment
• Experience in metal fabrication strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success leading process improvement and operational change initiatives
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and production reporting tools
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, machinery, and production standards.
• Proven ability to lead experienced teams through change and continuous improvement
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and…