Fabricated metal product manufacturer is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations in a fast-moving, non-corporate environment. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fluid situations, makes quick decisions, and enjoys being hands-on with people and processes. The Production Manager will oversee the production schedule, drive output on the shop floor, and ensure the team stays aligned with rapidly changing customer demands.
This individual provides adaptable, hands?on support and is willing to step into any area of the operation to maintain workflow continuity and resolve day?to?day challenges. They demonstrate strong business acumen, consistently making decisions that balance customer needs, operational efficiency, and overall business objectives. In addition to leading daily activities, this individual is responsible for hiring, training, and developing team members, including identifying and cultivating future leaders. They also oversee key administrative functions such as onboarding, completing new?hire documentation, and verifying payroll accuracy, ensuring a smooth and professional employee experience across the organization.
As the company continues to scale, this role offers meaningful upward mobility for a high?performing operator who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. With growing production capacity and an expanding customer base, the Production Manager will have the opportunity to take on broader responsibilities over time – ultimately creating a runway into senior operational leadership or a full General Manager-level role as the business evolves.
Reports to: General Manager
Located in: Currently Nashville, TN – Role will be based in Columbia, TN by end of 2026
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and manage the daily line schedule, making real-time adjustments based on customer orders, changing priorities, and operational capacity.
- Direct workflow on the shop floor, acting as the “traffic controller” for all production activities.
- Ensure production goals are met for volume, speed, and efficiency.
- Maintain deep understanding of throughput and operational capacity to optimize performance.
- Spend the majority of time actively on the floor, engaging with operators and supporting hands?on tasks as needed.
- Partner with leadership to forecast demand and adjust staffing or resources accordingly.
- Hire, train, and develop team members, including identifying and cultivating future leaders.
- Manage onboarding activities, complete new?hire paperwork, and review payroll for accuracy to ensure a smooth employee lifecycle.
- Coach, develop, and motivate the production team by providing ongoing feedback, support, and accountability.
- Foster a culture of ownership, urgency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Help implement or refine simple, effective processes that support quality, safety, and productivity while maintaining the company’s entrepreneurial agility.
- Support the transition of operations from Nashville to Columbia, TN by the end of 2026.
Qualifications:
- 3-7+ years of experience in production or operations management, preferably in an industrial or metals/manufacturing environment (non-assembly strongly preferred).
- Demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities and make quick operational decisions.
- Proven success leading teams in a fast-paced, high-change setting.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style.
- Ability to analyze production capacity, understand throughput constraints, and adjust workflows accordingly.
- Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable without heavy structure, motivated by autonomy, and quick to act.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, develop, and inspire front-line employees.
Who thrives here:
- Leaders who enjoy being on the floor, not behind a desk.
- People who get energy from a fast-paced, fluid, daily-changing environment.
- Operators who want autonomy, not bureaucracy.
- Builders who like to improve processes while keeping things simple and nimble.
- Managers who are confident making quick calls and adjusting in real time.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance beginning on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
- 401(k) program launching soon
- Paid vacation: 2 weeks after 6 months of employment, 3 weeks after 2 years of employment
- 10 paid holidays
