Lean Production Manager Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operations Leadership

• Lead daily production activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations

• Partner with the Plant Manager to execute site objectives, operational priorities, and continuous improvement plans

• Coordinate production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and supply chain activities to achieve production, cost, and service targets

• Improve operational discipline, shift execution, communication, and accountability across the plant

• Monitor KPIs and operational performance, identifying opportunities to improve productivity, reliability, and profitability

• Support the transition from reactive operations toward a more structured, performance-driven operating model

• Provide leadership presence on the production floor and support off-shift operations as required

• Act as site operational leader in the absence of the Plant Manager

Continuous Improvement & Reliability

• Drive Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, problem solving, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Analyze production, quality, downtime, maintenance, and cost data to identify trends and improvement opportunities

• Partner with maintenance and technical teams to improve equipment reliability and plant performance

• Lead or support process optimization, capacity improvement, and operational excellence projects

• Promote visual management, standard work, performance boards, and daily operational reviews

People Leadership

• Develop a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and operational excellence

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, operators, and production personnel

• Support workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, succession planning, and employee development initiatives

• Conduct performance reviews, establish development plans, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback

• Promote cross-training and the development of future shift leaders and operational talent

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality

• Perform all work in compliance with health and safety standards, environmental requirements, and quality systems

• Champion a strong safety culture focused on hazard identification, risk prevention, and employee engagement

• Ensure compliance with food safety, pharmaceutical, GMP, and customer quality requirements

• Support internal and external audits, corrective action programs, and management system compliance

• Reinforce high standards for housekeeping, documentation, traceability, sanitation, and operational discipline

Business & Plant Management Support

• Support budget development and management of operational costs, including labor, maintenance, and consumables

• Participate in capital project planning, implementation, and commissioning activities

• Collaborate with regional and functional teams to achieve operational and strategic objectives

• Assist in developing long-term organizational capability and succession plans for key operational positions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related discipline preferred

• Equivalent combination of education and industry experience will be considered.



Experience

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing or industrial operations experience

• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience in a production, operations, maintenance, or plant management environment

• Experience in mineral processing, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, bulk material handling, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

• Proven track record of leading teams, improving plant performance, and implementing operational improvements

• Experience supporting GMP, food safety, FDA-regulated, or quality-driven manufacturing environments is considered a strong asset

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership and people development capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and drive accountability

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment reliability, and maintenance coordination

• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Understanding of OPEX, CAPEX, budgeting, and operational performance metrics

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and ERP systems such as SAP