Production Supervisor

Production Manager

The Production Manager is responsible for leading and supervising manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of Adtran products. This role oversees production personnel and coordinates activities across manufacturing, test, materials, and logistics to meet customer demand, cost, quality, and delivery objectives. The Production Manager drives continuous improvement in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment while ensuring compliance with company policies, safety standards, and quality requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Directly manage and develop production supervisors, leads, and hourly manufacturing personnel to achieve operational goals.
2. Coordinate and monitor daily production activities across manufacturing, test, and support functions to ensure on-time delivery and product quality.
3. Ensure employees understand their roles and how their work impacts coworkers, cross-functional partners, and customers.
4. Ensure team members are properly trained, certified, and equipped to perform assigned tasks safely and effectively.
5. Communicate and enforce company, departmental, and safety policies consistently and fairly.
6. Establish daily priorities, production schedules, and staffing plans to meet demand and optimize efficiency.
7. Monitor production metrics including throughput, yield, scrap, labor efficiency, and downtime; implement corrective actions as needed.
8. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies.
9. Partner with Quality, Engineering, Materials, and Supply Chain teams to resolve production issues and support new product introductions.
10. Coach, mentor, and develop employees through regular feedback, performance evaluations, and development planning.
11. Address performance concerns promptly, including corrective and disciplinary actions when appropriate.
12. Ensure compliance with ESD, safety, and regulatory requirements.
13. Support audits and ensure adherence to internal and external quality standards.
14. Perform additional projects and duties as assigned to support changing business needs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant manufacturing experience.
• 58 years of progressive management experience in an electronics or high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading production teams in a high-mix manufacturing operation.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing systems and tools, including ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with employees, peers, and leadership in a professional manner.
• Ability to work flexible schedules as required to support production needs, including off-shift or weekend coverage if necessary.
• Minimal travel expected.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional)

• Experience in telecom, networking, or electronics manufacturing.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience supporting new product introductions (NPI).
• Familiarity with Oracle or similar ERP systems.

Essential Physical and Mental Qualifications

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds repetitively without assistance and heavier items with assistance.
• Manual dexterity required for interacting with production equipment, tools, and small components.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate objects while using scanners, hand tools, power tools, and production equipment.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching may be required.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye protection and safety clothing.
• Possible exposure to solder fumes and typical manufacturing floor conditions.
• Ability to see and interpret instructions, warnings, colors, and safety information.
• Ability to hear alarms and verbal communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.