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Design Production Manager Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

... Management, Business, or comparable degrees; or equivalent experience 5 years of production ... We design and manufacture advanced specialty vehicles-including fire, ambulance, and recreational ...

Design of mechanical assemblies, parts, and systems for products such as thermostats, pressure ... Experience with parts data management systems such as Windchill PLM and SAP ERP (BOMs, part ...

Who We are At Aptar, we leverage insights, design, engineering and science to develop drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing and protection technologies for many of the world's leading brands.

Design Engineer I

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$63K - $106K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and product management teams to ensure designs meet requirements for functionality, cost, quality, and manufacturability. * Perform design calculations ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Design Production Manager information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$29.1K

$69.8K

$112.3K

How much do design production manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design production manager in Milwaukee, WI is $69,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,200.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design production manager do?

A Design Production Manager oversees the workflow and production of design projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They coordinate between designers, clients, and other stakeholders to manage schedules, resources, and deliverables. This role often involves supervising the design team, troubleshooting production issues, and optimizing processes for efficiency. Design Production Managers play a crucial role in bridging creative vision and practical execution.

What are some common challenges faced by design production managers, and how can they be addressed?

Design Production Managers often face challenges such as tight deadlines, balancing creative vision with production constraints, and coordinating between design and production teams. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to overcoming these hurdles. Utilizing project management tools and holding regular cross-functional meetings can help ensure that projects stay on track and that any issues are addressed promptly. Additionally, proactively managing resources and setting clear expectations with stakeholders can minimize bottlenecks and support smoother project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design production manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Production Manager, you need expertise in project management, design principles, and production workflows, usually backed by a degree in design, production, or a related field. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), project management tools (like Asana or Trello), and experience with print or digital production processes are typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong leadership and communication abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

What is the difference between Design Production Manager vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign Production ManagerDesign Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire design production process, manages teams, ensures project deadlinesAssists in project coordination, supports design team, handles scheduling
Required SkillsProject management, leadership, technical design knowledgeCommunication, organization, basic design understanding
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborative teams, often in creative or advertising agenciesOffice or on-site, supporting design projects in similar settings
Common UsageUsed by employers seeking experienced managers to lead productionUsed for roles supporting design teams with coordination tasks

The Design Production Manager focuses on overseeing the entire design production process, managing teams, and ensuring project deadlines are met. In contrast, the Design Coordinator provides support by assisting with scheduling and communication within the design team. Both roles require strong organizational skills, but the manager role involves leadership and strategic oversight, while the coordinator role is more supportive and execution-focused.

Is a design production manager a stressful job?

A design production manager often faces stress due to tight deadlines, project coordination, and managing multiple teams. The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially during critical project phases.

What is the role of a design production manager?

A design production manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of design projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to quality standards. They collaborate with designers, clients, and production teams, often using project management tools, and may require knowledge of design software and industry workflows.
Infographic showing various Design Production Manager job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,827 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Supervisor, Production - 3rd Shift

Franklin, WI • On-site

API Heat Transfer
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description


Build Your Career Leading Fabrication Operations

General ThermoDynamics is seeking an experienced Production Supervisor to lead 3rd shift operations at our Franklin facility, supporting production at our Franklin plant. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about safety, quality, and team development.

At Franklin, you’ll lead a high-performing team across furnace operations, stacking and welding (aluminum), and leak testing—driving the production of high-quality heat exchanger units.

What You’ll Do

Lead Daily Production

  • Supervise 3rd shift fabrication operations to meet production schedules and customer demand
  • Coordinate workflows across furnace operations, stacking, welding and leak testing 
  • Ensure efficient staffing, material flow, and equipment utilization

Develop & Lead Your Team

  • Coach, mentor, and manage a team of welders and machine operators
  • Provide performance feedback, support development, and address performance concerns
  • Build a strong, accountable, and engaged team culture

Champion Safety

  • Enforce safety policies and lead by example in a manufacturing environment
  • Conduct safety observations, training, and incident follow-ups
  • Promote a proactive safety-first culture

Drive Quality & Continuous Improvement

  • Ensure all fabricated components meet quality standards and specifications
  • Partner with Quality and Engineering to resolve issues and improve processes
  • Support Lean initiatives, 5S, and efficiency improvements

Manage Operations

  • Oversee scheduling, attendance, and timekeeping
  • Track and improve KPIs such as productivity, scrap, and on-time delivery

What We’re Looking For

Required:

  • 3+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience in fabrication
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work 3rd shift with flexibility for overtime as needed

Preferred:

  • Associate degree or technical certification
  • Experience in job shop or made-to-order manufacturing
  • Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles

Why Join Us?
  • Stable, growing manufacturing environment
  • Opportunity to lead a critical support operation for a larger production facility
  • Hands-on leadership role with visible impact
  • Competitive pay and benefits package
  • Career growth and development opportunities

Work Environment

This role operates in an industrial fabrication setting with exposure to heavy machinery, welding operations, and material handling. PPE is required.

 

As a global leader in the design and manufacture of a wide range of specialty heat exchangers and heat transfer solutions, API Heat Transfer has a legacy of industry-leading performance that can be traced back more than 130 years. Throughout our history, we have built a corporate culture based on reliability and superior performance – from our innovative technologies to the people behind them.