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Director Production Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Production Manager

Decatur, IL · On-site

$97K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Supervise and direct production teams: assign work, coordinate across teams, monitor performance, remove barriers, and ensure a safe work environment. * Train and onboard new team members; manage ...

Belcan

Director, Production / Site Leader

Valencia, CA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Direct Hire Start Date: ASAP Keywords: #Valenciajobs; #SiteDIrectorJobs; Position Summary The ... Manage all production programs and operations to achieve on-time and within budget performance.

Productive Resources

Production Manager

Springfield, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Production Manager Springfield, IL - Direct Hire Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is seeking a candidate to be part of our client's team at their facility in Springfield, IL. As a ...

Custom Filters Direct

Production Manager

Bloomsburg, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Custom Filters Direct is a rapidly growing manufacturer of custom HVAC air filters, and we're looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our 1st Shift Manufacturing Operations during an ...

Belcan

Director, Production / Site Leader

Valencia, CA · On-site

$200K - $230K/yr

Direct Hire Start Date: ASAP Keywords: #Valenciajobs; #SiteDIrectorJobs; Position Summary The ... Manage all production programs and operations to achieve on-time and within budget performance.

Custom Filters Direct

Production Manager

Bloomsburg, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Custom Filters Direct is a rapidly growing manufacturer of custom HVAC air filters, and we're looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our 1st Shift Manufacturing Operations during an ...

Cornerstone Building Brands

Production Manager

Woodland, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plan and direct production activities, setting priorities based on effective operations, customer service, and cost factors. * Manage inventory, scrap, and material utilization. * Coordinate ...

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Director Production Manager information

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$24K

$107.5K

$189.5K

How much do director production manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director production manager in the United States is $107,478.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $129,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a director production manager, and how can they be addressed?

A Director Production Manager often encounters challenges such as balancing tight production schedules, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring quality standards while controlling costs. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and proactive problem-solving. Building collaborative relationships with other departments, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and continually optimizing processes can help overcome obstacles and ensure smooth production operations.

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

To thrive as a Director Production Manager, you need strong leadership, project management, and operational expertise, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field and extensive production management experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, Lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications like Six Sigma or PMP are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help drive team performance and foster cross-functional collaboration. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring efficient production processes, meeting business objectives, and maintaining high-quality standards.

What does a director production manager do?

A Director Production Manager oversees all aspects of production operations within an organization, ensuring that manufacturing or production processes run efficiently, on time, and within budget. They manage teams, coordinate between departments, and implement strategies to optimize productivity and quality. This role often involves setting production goals, monitoring performance, and resolving problems that may hinder workflow. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining safety standards and compliance with industry regulations.

What is the difference between Director Production Manager vs Production Supervisor?

AspectDirector Production ManagerProduction Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple production units, strategic planning, and department goalsManages daily production activities, supervises staff, ensures quality and safety
CredentialsBachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related field; extensive experienceHigh school diploma or associate degree; experience in manufacturing or production
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with frequent site visitsPrimarily on the production floor
Industry UsageCommon in large manufacturing companies and plantsFound in factories and production facilities of various sizes

The main difference between a Director Production Manager and a Production Supervisor lies in scope and responsibilities. The Director focuses on strategic oversight and managing multiple units, while the Supervisor handles daily operations and team supervision. Both roles require relevant experience, but the Director typically has higher credentials and a broader focus.

What cities are hiring for Director Production Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Director Production Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Production Manager jobs?

The most popular types of Production Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Director Production Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Production Manager jobs include:

Director Production Manager jobs near you

Director, Production Operations

Sierra Space Corporation

Madison, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the RoleSierra Space is scaling from development programs into high-rate, repeatable production across a diversified portfolio of military and commercial systems, including satellites and spacecraft, propulsion systems, solar power systems, and the Dream Chaser spaceplane. As Director, Production Operations based in Madison, Wisconsin, you will play a critical role in executing the production strategy for propulsion development and manufacturing, building the operational systems required to deliver hardware at pace, at quality, and at cost.
This is an execution-focused leadership role for a proven operations professional with expertise in propulsion systems. Reporting to the Vice President, Production, you will lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines and additional enterprise products within Sierra Space's Madison facility. You will drive standardization of production processes, implement data-driven manufacturing systems, and build high-performing teams capable of scaling propulsion output while maintaining quality and efficiency. You will partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management to ensure production readiness and on-time delivery of critical propulsion systems for space and defense applications.About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead manufacturing and assembly operations for propulsion product lines, including day-to-day oversight of production floor activities, scheduling, and workflow management at the Madison, WI facility.

  • Execute production strategy to scale propulsion manufacturing from development programs into repeatable, high-rate production with a focus on throughput, yield, and cost efficiency.

  • Standardize propulsion production processes and workflows to create consistent, repeatable, high-quality build operations aligned with enterprise-wide best practices.

  • Support capacity planning and facility buildout efforts for propulsion manufacturing, including layout optimization, equipment installation, and production line commissioning.

  • Drive vertical integration initiatives by standing up and maturing internal propulsion manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacturing, machining, assembly, and test operations for propulsion components and systems.

  • Implement and mature manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production data infrastructure to enable traceability, repeatability, and real-time visibility into propulsion manufacturing performance.

  • Establish andmaintainproduction operating rhythm through KPIs, dashboards, and review cadences focused on cycle time, yield, throughput, labor efficiency, on-time delivery, and cost for propulsion production.

  • Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) toidentifyandeliminateproduction inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve quality in propulsion operations.

  • Collaborate with Propulsion Engineering and Product Assurance to drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) into propulsion product development and support new product introduction (NPI) activities.

  • Partner across Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Facilities, Security, and Program Management to ensure aligned production readiness, material availability, and execution against propulsion program schedules.

  • Manage production budgets for propulsion operations and analyze manufacturing costs to implement cost-saving measures thatmaintainquality standards and support financial goals.

  • Lead and develop production management teams at the Madison facility, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians, fostering collaboration and accountability while upholding company values and a culture of operational excellence.

  • Ensure compliance with industry-specific production standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems (ISO, AS9100, GMP, etc.) applicable to aerospace and propulsion manufacturing operations.

  • Represent propulsion production operations in cross-functional forums and communicate status, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership and external stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).

  • 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, production, or operations roles in complex technical industries, witha significant portionin leadership positions.

  • The ability to obtain andmaintainaTop SecretU.S. Security Clearance isrequired

  • Proventrack recordof successfully managing large teams and complex production projects in high-rate manufacturing environments.

  • Strong background in manufacturing processes, assembly & integration, and operational execution for complex electromechanical or aerospace systems, with emphasis on propulsion systems preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience implementing and scaling production operations, including process standardization, workflow optimization, and capacity planning.

  • Experience with data-driven manufacturing systems, MES, and production management processes, including OKR development and performance tracking.

  • Knowledge of design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles and ability to collaborate with engineering teams tooptimizeproduct designs for production.

  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive operational excellence in fast-paced, highly technical environments.

  • Expertisein continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) with proven ability toidentifyandeliminateproduction inefficiencies.

  • Strong financial acumen withdemonstratedability to manage production budgets, analyze manufacturing costs, and implement cost-saving measures.

  • In-depth knowledge of industry-specific production standards, safety regulations, and quality management systems (ISO, AS9100, GMP, etc.).

  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability torepresentproduction interests effectively to executive leadership and external stakeholders.

  • Ability to uphold and model company values while holding others accountable and fostering a culture of operational excellence.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in propulsion manufacturing and test operations, including liquid or hybrid rocket engines, thrusters, or propulsion subsystems.

  • Familiarity with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for propulsion components, including metal printing processes and post-processing.

  • Experience in aerospace, defense, satellite, launch, or high-rate hardware manufacturing across both military and commercial product lines.

  • Experience with vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities such as propulsion, fluid systems, PCBAs, structures, or integrated vehicle production.

  • Experience with spacecraft or satellite integration and production.

  • Familiarity with classified manufacturing and secure production operations.

  • Experience implementing lean or continuous-improvement frameworks at scale in production environments.

  • Experience with automated manufacturing, MES implementation, or production data systems.

  • Experience leading organizational change initiatives specific to production environments, including technology implementation, process redesign, and workforce development.

  • Experience building and scaling production teams during periods of rapid company growth.

  • Master's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related field.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$164,513.00 - $226,205.00

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education,experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain andmaintainaTop SecretU.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status isrequiredas this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, securityviolationsand illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.


We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporationis an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact us.

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