Production Manager in Knoxville, Tennessee at Brown Machine Group

BMG is an award-winning thermoforming packaging/automation solutions leader focused on a customer-centric approach. We are a global organization representing the world’s most extensive thermoforming portfolio in the following industries: automotive, medical, electronics, horticulture, food, and process automation.

We are seeking a hands-on and results-driven Production Manager to lead manufacturing operations at our Knoxville site. Our Knoxville facility specializes in designing and producing cutting-edge automation solutions that help streamline packaging processes and drive efficiency. This role has direct leadership responsibility for Operations, Quality, Production Planning, and Project Management teams in a smaller, agile organization. The Production Manager will drive day-to-day operational execution while contributing to strategic planning, cost control, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader who has successfully led teams of 25+ people, possesses strong industrial manufacturing experience, and has formal Lean training and implementation experience (ideally within a world-class Lean organization).

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide overall leadership and direction for Operations, Quality, Production Planning, and Project Management functions.
2. Oversee day-to-day production activities to ensure safe, high-quality, on-time, and cost-effective delivery of products.
3. Manage production scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet customer demands.
4. Lead continuous improvement and Lean initiatives across all areas of responsibility to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance quality.
5. Directly supervise, mentor, and develop managers, engineers, and technical staff across all reporting departments.
6. Collaborate with the Site Director on budgeting, forecasting, and P&L performance for operations.
7. Manage production costs including direct labor, materials, and overhead.
8. Work closely with Engineering on design for manufacturability, new product introductions, and design reviews.
9. Oversee machine shop operations, equipment utilization, and maintenance programs.
10. Ensure effective inventory management, procurement coordination, and material flow.
11. Monitor key performance indicators (safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity) and drive corrective actions.
12. Attend proposal, work order, and design reviews to provide practical manufacturing input.
13. Lead facilities maintenance, housekeeping, and site organization initiatives.
14. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
15. Support customer communications, sales inquiries, and business development activities as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
2. 7+ years of progressive industrial manufacturing experience.
3. Minimum of 4+ years of leadership experience with direct responsibility for teams of 25+ people.
4. Formal Lean training and demonstrated success implementing Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies (experience in a world-class Lean organization such as Danaher, ITW, Toyota, or similar is highly preferred).
5. Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, machining, and design for manufacturability.
6. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
7. Hands-on approach with the ability to balance strategic and tactical responsibilities.
8. A minimum requirement for this position is the ability to work legally in the United States on a permanent basis. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior P&L responsibility or strong financial acumen.
• Experience with Sales & Operations Planning (SIOP) processes.
• Experience with Danaher Business System (DBS), ITW 80/20, or similar world-class operating systems.
• Local candidates to the Knoxville area strongly preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% as needed.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.

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BMG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, please call 989-435-7741 and ask for Human Resources.