Production Manager (New Haven, IN)

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Position Purpose:

The Production Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of Rival Lab’s pilot-scale manufacturing and field-installation activities for our proprietary panelized housing system (light-gauge steel framing, automated panel assembly, and integrated mechanicals).

This is a hands-on leadership role in the early stage of our growth: you will personally drive execution of the first 10–50 pilot homes in 2026 using rented/subcontracted production capacity, while building repeatable processes, safety systems, and quality controls that will scale with us. You will manage a small team (4–12 direct reports initially) and report directly to Lab leadership.

The job requirements include but are not limited to the following:

Core Value Expectations

• Actively pursue high character, high trust, and high performance personally, corporately, and in all aspects of the position
• Provide distinctive quality and unparalleled customer service both internally and externally
• Demonstrate and promote integrity, respect, and teamwork
• Invite others to help you grow through living authentically with nothing to prove, lose or hide
• Evidence humility by actively receiving teaching and mentoring

Primary Role Expectations:

• Production and Process leadership

o Own end-to-end execution of pilot production (10–50 homes in 2026): schedule, coordinate, and deliver on time and on budget.

o Manage production capacity (e.g., Scottsdale roll-forming, AUAR-style robotic systems) and field-installation crews.

o Build and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), BOM accuracy, cycle-time tracking, and quality checkpoints.

o Monitor key performance indicators: hard-cost variance, rework rate, defect rate, on-time completion, and safety incidents.

o Drive continuous improvement: identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and implement lean practices.

• Team & People Leadership

o Directly supervise and develop the initial operations team: Robotics Operator, Steel Machine Operator, Steel Assembler, Assembly Laborer, and install crew.

o Hire, onboard, train, and retain high-character talent; conduct regular performance reviews and coaching.

o Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork — lead by example on the floor.

o Ensure all team members follow safety protocols, wear required PPE, and maintain OSHA compliance.

• Quality, Safety & Compliance

o Implement and maintain quality assurance processes (visual inspections, dimensional checks, fastening verification).

o Lead safety program: conduct daily toolbox talks, incident investigations, and preventative maintenance.

o Coordinate with external partners (Scottsdale, AUAR vendors, material suppliers) to ensure smooth material flow and system uptime.

• Reporting & Continuous Improvement

o Provide daily/weekly production reports: output, costs, variances, issues, and wins.

o Collaborate with Lab leadership on pilot learnings to refine designs, processes, and licensee requirements.

o Prepare for future scaling: document processes that can be transferred to licensed manufacturers.

Qualifications:

• 7–12 years of progressive operations experience in manufacturing, prefab, modular, panelized construction, light-gauge steel framing, or related field.
• Proven track record leading production from pilot/prototype ? low-volume repeatable output (50–200 units/year).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with automated machinery (e.g., roll-formers, robotic arms, framing systems).
• Experience managing small teams (5–20 people) and coordinating field/installation work.
• Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain immediately).
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate’s degree preferred.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available).
• Background in offsite construction, modular housing, truss/panel fabrication, or metal framing.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with subcontracted production or vendor-managed capacity.
• Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA 10/30) and quality systems.
• Midwest/Southeast construction experience (local codes, labor market, weather realities).

Physical Requirements:

• Perform the position’s physical functions with extensive mobility and ease including walking, sitting, standing, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and using hands to operate tools necessary for the job
• Indoor manufacturing environment with machinery noise, moving equipment, and dust.
• Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, hard hat).
• Occasional outdoor field work for install oversight.

Requirements: