Production Assistant Manager in Durham, North Carolina at Durham Exchange Club Industries

Durham, NC | Full-Time | Monday–Friday, Day Shift - (8:15am - 4:15pm)

About DECI

At Durham Exchange Club Industries (DECI), we're more than a manufacturing and logistics organization. We're a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment.

For over 60 years, DECI has partnered with businesses and government agencies to deliver high-quality manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and logistics services while empowering people to achieve greater independence, confidence, and workplace success.

When you join DECI, you're joining a team that believes work changes lives. Every production goal achieved, every customer served, and every team member supported contributes to a stronger, more inclusive community.

About the Role

Are you a hands-on leader who enjoys working alongside your team, solving problems, improving processes, and helping others succeed?

DECI is seeking a Production Assistant Manager to support daily production operations, coordinate workflow, ensure quality standards, and provide leadership to staff and program participants. This is a highly visible role that combines production leadership, team development, quality oversight, and mission-driven service.

The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, and comfortable balancing operational excellence with people-focused leadership.

What You'll Do

Lead Production Operations

• Train, coach, and coordinate staff and program participants in production activities.
• Organize workflow, staffing assignments, and workstation setup to maximize productivity and minimize downtime.
• Monitor quality control processes, conduct first-piece inspections, and ensure production standards are met.
• Coordinate labor resources and production schedules to meet customer commitments and deadlines.
• Support work instruction implementation and continuous process improvements.
• Maintain production documentation, progress reports, client ratings, and timekeeping records.

Support and Develop Teams

• Serve as a resource and mentor to staff and program participants.
• Collaborate with managers and Program Services to support individual program goals and workplace success.
• Identify training opportunities and provide feedback regarding employee performance and development.
• Participate in onboarding and training new team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment where everyone can thrive.

Ensure Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety and accountability throughout the production floor.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, procedures, and work instructions.
• Monitor inventory, supplies, materials, and customer-owned work-in-progress.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, equipment issues, and operational challenges promptly.
• Maintain clean, organized, and efficient work areas.
• Oversee hazardous waste collection, labeling, storage, and emergency response procedures as required.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Prepare production, labor, inventory, and materials reports.
• Coordinate shipment preparation and work collaboratively with the Logistics team.
• Assist management with staffing requests and production planning.
• Support departmental objectives and perform additional duties as assigned.

Medicaid Qualified Programs (When Applicable)

• Complete required service documentation.
• Maintain required certifications and training in accordance with Medicaid guidelines.

Why Join DECI?

Meaningful Work

• Every day, your leadership helps create employment opportunities and career pathways for individuals with disabilities.

Collaborative Culture

• Work alongside a dedicated team that values respect, inclusion, accountability, and service.

Professional Growth

• Develop your leadership skills in a dynamic manufacturing and production environment.

Stability & Purpose

• Join an organization with a long-standing reputation for excellence, community impact, and mission-focused work.

Make a Lasting Impact

• Your work supports not only production goals but also the personal and professional

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; advanced education or degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in manufacturing, production, logistics, operations, or a related industry.
• Previous supervisory, lead, or team leadership experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting production deadlines.
• Knowledge of production workflow, job setup, scheduling, and quality processes.
• Strong math, reading, writing, and organizational abilities.
• Interest in supporting individuals with disabilities and fostering an inclusive workplace.
• Reliable transportation.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in contract manufacturing, assembly, packaging, or logistics environments.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Familiarity with quality management systems, lean manufacturing concepts, or continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to:

• Lift, carry, push, and move up to 35 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb as needed.
• Perform repetitive production-related tasks.
• Work safely in an active manufacturing environment.
• Assist individuals with disabilities, including emergency interventions when properly certified.

Ready to Lead With Purpose?

If you're a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, driving operational excellence, and making a positive impact in your community, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and discover how a career at DECI can help you build success for yourself while creating opportunities for others.

Other Requirements: U.S. Citizen or U.S. work qualification