Production Manager in Conover, North Carolina at American Leather Operations LLC

JOB TITLE: Production Manager – Spring Up & Spraying

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Plant Manager

SUMMARY
The Production Manager oversees daily operations of the Spring Up & Spraying departments, leading and developing an hourly workforce to meet production, quality, and safety expectations. This role manages staffing and workflow, promotes Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement, and coordinates with downstream upholstery teams. Responsibilities include ensuring frames are properly finished, stained, or sealed and spring systems—including traditional eight-way hand-tied and sinuous wire construction—meet specifications for comfort, durability, and quality.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lean Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead daily production huddles and apply Lean Manufacturing to improve workflow, reduce material waste, and resolve bottlenecks between Frame Spray and Spring Up
• Develop, maintain, and review standard operating procedures to support consistent production methods and quality
• Monitor production, quality, and safety metrics and use visual management tools to identify and address areas needing improvement

2. Departmental Management & Employee Development

• Manage staffing, work assignments, employee hours, and overtime to meet production needs
• Train, coach, and cross-train employees in frame spraying and spring-up methods to support quality, productivity, and balanced workloads
• Set clear performance expectations and address performance and attendance concerns in coordination with HR
• Coordinate with the Frame Shop and Upholstery departments to maintain a steady flow of work and resolve production issues

3. Technical Oversight: Frame Spray & Finishing

• Quality & Consistency: Oversee the application of stains, sealers, topcoats, and specialty finishes to ensure consistent color matching and surfaces that meet quality standards
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure preventive maintenance of spray booths, guns, pumps, and ventilation systems in coordination with Maintenance
• EHS Compliance: Work with EHS to ensure required procedures are followed for chemical storage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hazardous waste disposal

4. Technical Oversight: Spring Up & Foundations

• Foundation Integrity: Inspect spring-up work to ensure taut webbing, securely fastened coil or zig-zag springs, and properly executed eight-way hand ties
• Specification Accuracy: Verify that foundations meet the comfort profile, dimensions, and construction specifications listed on the production ticket

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• At least three years of supervisory or management experience in furniture manufacturing, with experience in spring-up and/or frame spraying and finishing
• Knowledge of spring-up construction, finishing methods, materials, equipment, and quality standards
• Understanding of production planning, staffing, scheduling, and workflow coordination
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, and continuous improvement practices
• Ability to lead, train, coach, and develop hourly employees and hold teams accountable for performance
• Ability to identify production and quality issues, make timely decisions, and implement corrective actions
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, managers, and supporting departments
• Ability to prioritize work and adjust staffing and production plans as needs change
• Proficiency with computer systems used for production reporting, timekeeping, email, and spreadsheets
• Ability to analyze information and determine how information relates to the company’s strategic plan
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk on a concrete factory floor for 8+ hours a day and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. when assisting teams.
• Above average computer skills

LEE INDUSTRIES QUALITY STANDARDS

• Quality Inspections: Ensure required inspections are completed in Frame Spray and Spring Up and defects are addressed before products move to the next department
• Eight-Way Hand-Tied Craftsmanship: Maintain LEE’s workmanship standards for spring placement, tying methods, and knot integrity
• Order Accuracy: Verify that frames, foundations, and custom modifications match the production ticket and meet applicable pre-upholstery inspection requirements
• Material Standards: Ensure approved materials and finishes are handled and applied according to LEE’s quality and environmental standards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in fast past manufacturing environment
• Operate computer and keyboard
• Long periods of standing/walking
• Occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds when assisting production teams
• Travels to other plant locations (when necessary)
• The performance of this position requires regular exposure to the manufacturing areas which will require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.