Director of Production in Duluth, Minnesota at SCS Interiors, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Production is responsible for leading and managing all Production operations at SCS Interiors. This position provides leadership to the Production department while ensuring operational objectives related to safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery are achieved. The Director of Production works collaboratively with supervisors, management, and other departments to support company goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

SPECIFIC POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential functions for this position are indicated by an asterisk (*) below. The specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following functions:

1. * Leadership & Operational Performance
   1. Responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and performance of the Production departments.
   2. Establish and maintain operational standards that support safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, and on-time delivery objectives.
   3. Hold supervisors and employees accountable for performance expectations, attendance, conduct, productivity, and departmental goals.
   4. Drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies throughout Production operations.
   5. Monitor departmental metrics, labor utilization, workflow efficiencies, quality performance, and production output; collaborate with department supervisors & HR as needed to implement corrective action plans when performance expectations are not met.
   6. Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Materials, Quality, CAD, NPD, Shipping, HR, and Management to support operational objectives and customer requirements.
   7. Work closely with supervisors and Human Resources to address employee attendance, performance, behavioral, and conduct concerns.
   8. Participate in incident investigations, corrective action processes, safety initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.
   9. Responsible for establishing performance expectations, coaching leaders, and developing accountability within the Production department.

1. *Production Operations
   1. Oversee and manage production work orders, scheduling activities, and production documentation to support efficient workflow and timely delivery.
   2. Coordinate production schedules, labor resources, and operational priorities to meet customer deadlines and business objectives.
   3. Maintain and expand internal and finished good Kanban pull system.
   4. Facilitate communication and coordination with Sales and other departments regarding customer timelines, due dates, and production priorities.

1. *Supervise Production Personnel & Operations
   1. Directly supervise Production Supervisors and provide leadership, guidance, coaching, and accountability throughout Production operations. Support supervisors in coordinating workflow, staffing, scheduling, training, and operational priorities to ensure efficient production and timely delivery.
   2. Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment focused on safety, quality, communication, and continuous improvement.
   3. Complete supervisor performance evaluations.

1. *Staffing
   1. Monitor production processes and volume to ensure appropriate staffing levels
   2. Recommend staffing changes as needed
   3. Assist in the development of employee meetings, trainings, procedures, etc.
   4. Partner with Human Resources on recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, employee development, corrective action, and succession planning initiatives.
   5. Assist in developing and implementing departmental training programs, procedures, work instructions, and employee development initiatives.

1. *Maintain Quality Control Processes in Production
   1. Assist with the implementation and maintenance of all production quality control processes
   2. Participate in the SCS Interiors’ ISO Quality Management System

1. *Management Responsibilities
   1. Represent SCS Interiors at meetings relevant to company business
   2. Attend/participate in weekly management meetings
   3. Participate in management team activities such as strategic planning and QMS activities
   4. Understand and support the company personnel policies and procedures
   5. Participate in continuing education opportunities
      1. Required to complete a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education through workshops, webinars, conferences, or similar activities each calendar year, with an allocated budget of $5,000. This is to be approved by the President.
   6. Complete other responsibilities as assigned by the President

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

1. Bachelors’ degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Business, or related field and 5 years’ manufacturing production experience including quality control experience.
   1. Will consider a minimum of an Associate Degree with concentrations in engineering, quality control, CAD skills, and related coursework plus 5 years’ experience in production, manufacturing, design, or similar experience.
2. Experience in operating a fork lift, pallet jack, and similar equipment is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making skills.
2. Ability to effectively lead teams, promote accountability, manage conflict, and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
3. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, workflow management, quality systems, production scheduling, and continuous improvement principles.
4. Ability to analyze operational data and utilize metrics to drive business decisions and process improvements.
5. Skilled in technology use including ERP systems, production scheduling software, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, HRIS platforms, and other operational software systems.
6. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism, tact, and diplomacy in all interactions.
8. Ability to work effectively with employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and members of management while supporting SCS Interiors’ policies, procedures, and operational objectives.
9. Willingness to participate in professional development and continuing education activities.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position works in both office and production floor environments and requires regular interaction with employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and members of management. The Director of Production will regularly walk throughout production areas to monitor operations, address workflow concerns, support employees, and ensure compliance with company safety and quality standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires a combination of office and production floor activities, including prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and computer use. Occasional lifting, pushing, pulling, or moving materials may be required. The Director of Production is expected to follow all company safety procedures and utilize proper lifting techniques and assistive devices when necessary.

This position may require exposure to a manufacturing environment including machinery, noise, moving equipment, and varying production conditions. Safety awareness and compliance with all SCS Interiors safety policies and procedures are essential functions of this role.