Production Manager in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin at Lake Region Trailer LLC

Lake Region Trailer, LLC, is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead our trailer manufacturing operations. This role oversees daily production workflow, team leadership, safety, quality, scheduling, purchasing coordination, and cross-functional communication while also supporting custom trailer design through CAD drawing creation, modification, and interpretation. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing leadership experience, technical knowledge of welding and metal fabrication, and the ability to guide projects from kickoff through final delivery while balancing quality, efficiency, profitability, and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, modify, and interpret CAD drawings for custom trailer designs, fabricated components, production improvements, and service-related projects.
• Translate CAD drawings, blueprints, specifications, and customer requirements into clear production plans, work instructions, and manufacturable solutions.
• Partner with sales, purchasing, suppliers, customers, and production employees to confirm design details, material requirements, project scope, schedules, and issue resolution.
• Lead daily production operations, including scheduling work, assigning resources, monitoring progress, and resolving bottlenecks to meet quality and delivery expectations.
• Provide technical guidance to production employees on fabrication methods, welding requirements, drawing interpretation, and project execution.
• Support estimating and planning by identifying material, labor, equipment, tooling, and fabrication requirements from drawings and project specifications.
• Maintain strong safety, quality, documentation, and process standards while driving continuous improvement in production efficiency and workmanship.
• Coach, supervise, and develop production team members while fostering an accountable, collaborative, and customer-focused work environment.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical, vocational, or post-secondary education in welding, manufacturing, engineering technology, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory management experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency in welding processes and metal fabrication techniques required.
• Experience creating and modifying CAD drawings required; CNC plasma table programming and operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and production documents.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate production activities while balancing quality, delivery timelines, and operational efficiency.
• Strong leadership, coaching, communication, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Working knowledge of quality standards, manufacturing processes, continuous improvement principles, OSHA regulations, and safe manufacturing practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business or manufacturing software as required.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position works in a manufacturing environment with moderate to high noise levels and may require standing, walking, sitting, reaching, bending, grasping, lifting up to 50 pounds, working near production equipment, and using personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits:
Competitive Pay
Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability benefits
Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
Retirement Plan with company match
A collaborative, supportive team committed to safety and operational excellence