What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Manager position at Hiker Trailers?
Position Overview
Hiker Trailers is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Production Manager to oversee the daily production of our custom-built trailer line. In this role, you will be responsible for managing the production team, maintaining quality standards, optimizing production processes, and collaborating with Purchasing and Customer Service to ensure timely delivery of products and exceptional customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for process improvement, and a keen eye for efficiency in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
1. Production Management & Coordination
- Oversee daily production activities, ensuring all operations are executed safely, efficiently, and meet quality standards.
- Develop and maintain production schedules to meet delivery deadlines and customer commitments.
- Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure a timely supply of raw materials, parts, and components.
2. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and motivate production team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.
3. Quality Assurance & Control
- Implement and maintain quality control processes to consistently produce high-quality trailers.
- Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve production or quality issues in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with internal teams to refine and enhance product quality and design.
4. Process Improvement & Efficiency
- Evaluate current processes and workflow, and recommend improvements to increase productivity, reduce costs, and streamline operations.
- Ensure optimal shop layout, organization, and utilization of resources to maximize efficiency.
5. Coordination with Customer Service
- Work closely with the Customer Service team to plan and prioritize aftermarket service work.
- Track and manage customizations for individual builds, ensuring seamless communication between production and customer-facing teams.
6. Reporting & Communication
- Provide regular updates on production status, potential risks, and resource needs to senior management.
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, quality metrics, and on-time delivery rates.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
Technical Skills:
- Proficient in production scheduling, resource planning, and inventory management.
- Familiarity with quality control standards, lean manufacturing principles, or other process improvement methodologies.
- Competent with data tracking and production software (e.g., ERP, MRP, or similar systems).
Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and team-building skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication, with the ability to liaise across multiple departments.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $90,000