Production Manager at Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists – Plainview, New York

Position Summary

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all daily operations of the wheel remanufacturing facility, ensuring consistent throughput, high-quality output, and adherence to all safety and compliance standards. This role manages production technicians, coordinates workflow, enforces SOPs, and drives continuous improvement across operations, quality, and efficiency.

The Production Manager serves as the operational leader of the shop floor and collaborates closely with Quality Control, Safety, Supply Chain, and Corporate Operations to meet production targets and maintain world-class standards.

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations & Workflow Management

• Oversee daily production operations to ensure all wheels move through each stage (prep, repair, machining, coating, curing, QC) according to defined cycle times.
• Maintain an efficient production schedule that aligns workforce capacity with daily, weekly, and monthly volume goals.
• Monitor throughput, WIP levels, and bottlenecks; proactively reassign labor and adjust workflow to maximize output.
• Ensure all SOPs, process controls, curing times, and technical specifications are followed without deviation.
• Coordinate machine utilization (CNC lathe, blast cabinets, curing ovens, welders, etc.) to minimize downtime.

Team Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise, coach, and develop production technicians and team leads.
• Hold daily start-of-shift huddles to communicate goals, safety alerts, and operational priorities.
• Provide ongoing training for both new and experienced technicians on equipment, safety, and repair standards.
• Conduct performance reviews, corrective actions, and coaching to maintain high standards.
• Maintain shift schedules and manage labor allocation and overtime based on volume, revenue, and staffing levels.

Quality Assurance & Process Control

• Partner with the Quality Inspector to ensure all finished wheels meet cosmetic, dimensional, and structural requirements.
• Review defect trends and lead corrective actions to reduce rework and scrap.
• Enforce 100% compliance with prep standards, coating thickness targets, and machining tolerances.
• Investigate process deviations, equipment errors, or technician mistakes; implement preventative actions.

Safety, Compliance & Facility Standards

• Ensure daily adherence to OSHA requirements, corporate safety programs, PPE usage, and hazard control standards.
• Conduct routine safety audits and immediately address unsafe conditions or behaviors.
• Maintain facility cleanliness, workstation organization, and 5S standards.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective action plans.

Reporting, KPIs & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report key production metrics including:
  • Wheels per technician per hour
  • Total production volume
  • Cycle time (start to finish)
  • First-pass yield
  • Scrap/rework rates
  • Downtime and machine utilization
  • Cost of goods sold
• Identify and execute process improvements to increase throughput, reduce defects, and optimize labor efficiency.
• Work with corporate teams on new SOP rollouts, system upgrades, and operational improvements.
• Manage and achieve budgeted production KPI’s

Equipment, Maintenance & Materials Coordination

• Ensure all production equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and operational.
• Coordinate with maintenance providers for repairs and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of coatings, abrasives, welding materials, consumables, and shop supplies.
• Communicate with Purchasing regarding shortages and usage trends.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 5-7+ years experience in production, manufacturing, automotive refinishing, metalworking, or similar environment.
• Previous leadership experience in a shop, plant, or production setting.
• Strong understanding of machining, coatings, welding, or remanufacturing processes (preferred but not required).
• Ability to read work instructions, technical specs, and operate common shop equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, enforce SOPs, and drive accountability.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Competencies

• Production planning & workflow management
• Team leadership & coaching
• Process discipline & SOP enforcement
• Quality mindset and attention to detail
• Safety-first approach
• Problem solving & root cause analysis
• Strong communication skills
• Data-driven decision making
• Spanish speaking preferred
• Able to work 3rd shift (overnight)