Production Manager

Production Manager – Fabrication OperationsCookeville, TN | On-Site | Full-TimeA growing industrial manufacturer is seeking a hands-on Production Manager to lead a key fabrication area supporting material handling, cutting, grooving, and welded-system production. This leader will own daily execution across multiple shifts, develop supervisors, and drive measurable improvements in throughput, quality, labor efficiency, and schedule performance.The ideal candidate is a visible, floor-oriented manufacturing leader who is comfortable holding people accountable, using KPIs to identify problems, and working cross-functionally to remove constraints. Experience in fabrication, metal processing, pipe/tube, welding, cutting, or similar industrial production environments is highly relevant.ResponsibilitiesLead daily production execution across material handling, cutting, grooving, and related fabrication operations on first and second shift.Directly lead production supervisors and hourly employees, reinforcing clear expectations, standard work, safety, and accountability.Own and improve core operational metrics including throughput, first-pass yield, cycle time, downtime, labor efficiency, scrap/rework, WIP, and schedule adherence.Maintain a strong daily presence on the production floor to identify bottlenecks, observe process discipline, and ensure priorities are executed consistently.Establish effective shift handoffs so production priorities, issues, performance data, and accountability carry seamlessly between shifts.Partner with Planning, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to resolve production constraints, recurring quality issues, and material-flow challenges.Lead targeted continuous-improvement initiatives that reduce WIP, improve flow, level-load work across shifts, and create sustainable operating improvements.Support hiring, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and leadership development for supervisors and production team members.Qualifications5+ years of manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial operations experience.3+ years of direct people leadership experience, ideally in a multi-shift production environment.Experience with cutting, machining, profiling, grooving, welding, material handling, or comparable metal fabrication processes.Proven ability to use operational KPIs to drive corrective actions and measurable performance improvement.Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or formal problem-solving experience is preferred.