Job Description
Job DescriptionTitle: Production Manager
Location: ~23 miles from Tallahassee, FL
Compensation: $130K–$150K base + 13% bonus + standard benefits (flexible for strong candidates) Schedule: Day shift with support responsibilities for secondary shifts
Team Size: 45 total (5 direct reports + ~40 hourly)
Environment: Lean, fast?paced, high?accountability manufacturing site
Role Overview
This role leads a 24/7 manufacturing operation producing dry solids, adsorbents, and desiccant products. You will build processes from the ground up, strengthen operational discipline, and develop a high?performing team in a union environment. Success requires a hands?on leader who thrives in complexity, communicates with clarity, and uses data to drive decisions.
You will oversee production execution, maintenance coordination, training, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives while shaping a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead a team of 45, including Production Supervisors, hourly operators, Maintenance Gatekeeper, and Plant Engineer.
- Maintain a visible presence on the floor; engage with hourly and salaried staff daily.
- Build training programs, maintain skills matrices, and develop hourly employees for long?term success.
- Manage staffing, shift coverage, and performance expectations across a 24?hour operation.
Operations Management
- Execute daily, weekly, and long?term production plans; ensure 100% schedule adherence.
- Oversee production volumes, quality, maintenance response, and asset performance.
- Create and revise SOPs, work instructions, and digital forms (Intelex, SharePoint).
- Track and improve KPIs, including OEE, UEE, throughput, and cost drivers.
- Use production logs, digital tools, and Power BI dashboards to guide decisions.
Maintenance & Reliability
- Ensure timely creation of maintenance notifications in SAP.
- Partner with the Maintenance Gatekeeper to achieve full compliance with preventive maintenance schedules.
- Support reliability improvements that increase uptime and reduce environmental variable parameters (EVPs).
Continuous Improvement
- Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; Green Belt certification preferred or ability to obtain.
- Lead and support CI events focused on waste reduction, standard work, and process stability.
- Identify and implement improvements that enhance quality, reduce costs, and increase site profitability.
Safety, Compliance & Culture
- Ensure 100% compliance with EHS, OSHA, MSHA, GMP, ISO 9001, and site safety standards.
- Promote a safety?first culture through training, audits, and proactive risk reduction.
- Support union interactions with professionalism and consistency (United Steel Workers environment).
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years in operations, manufacturing, or maintenance management.
- Associate degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, coach, and hold teams accountable.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in MS Office, SharePoint, digital documentation, and KPI tracking tools.
- Experience working in a union environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Dry solids, mineral processing, adsorbents, desiccants, or related mechanical process experience.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
- Background in EHS, OSHA/MSHA compliance, or process safety.
- Experience with automation systems.
- Power BI reporting and data visualization skills.
- Experience starting processes, systems, or documentation from scratch.
Physical & Fitness Requirements
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to climb a 40?ft ladder.
- Must pass N95 fit test, baseline fitness test, and annual evaluations.
Additional Details
- Business?performance bonus structure.
- Lean facility with ~20 salaried employees.
- Local candidates strongly preferred for cultural fit; relocation considered for exceptional candidates.
- Candidates from Georgia are welcome due to proximity.
Zing Recruiting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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#LI-RT1Company DescriptionZing Recruiting is dedicated to delivering candidates and client’s alike a great experience for each unique position. We specialize in finding dedicated professionals with the education, talent, and fresh perspectives – professionals at the top of their game. Professionals who have what it takes to be competitive and innovative in today’s market. We work to match candidates needs and requirements to our clients’ requirements and expectations. We work to find the right “fit” for both candidate and client.
Company Description
Zing Recruiting is dedicated to delivering candidates and client’s alike a great experience for each unique position. We specialize in finding dedicated professionals with the education, talent, and fresh perspectives – professionals at the top of their game. Professionals who have what it takes to be competitive and innovative in today’s market. We work to match candidates needs and requirements to our clients’ requirements and expectations. We work to find the right “fit” for both candidate and client.