Production Manager Jobs in Hamden, CT (NOW HIRING)

About Church Hill Classics:
At Church Hill Classics, we’ve proudly handcrafted over two million custom diploma frames, certificate frames, varsity letter frames, and award frames since 1991. Based in Monroe, CT, our female-owned company remains a U.S. leader in premium custom framing—trusted by over 1,500 colleges and universities, honor societies, the U.S. Military, and professional associations.

The Role:

The Manufacturing Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing production process to ensure efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time delivery. This role includes leading production planning efforts, managing a diverse team of supervisors and operators, and driving continuous improvement initiatives using Lean or other process optimization methodologies. The Production Manager serves as a cross-functional liaison, coordinating with internal departments to ensure operational excellence and alignment with company goals.

This role is ideal for a proven manufacturing leader who thrives on the floor as much as in the data. If you are a natural mentor with a passion for Lean process improvement and take real pride in leading a team that delivers on-time, high-quality work, you'll thrive here.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and manage daily, weekly, and long-term production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize output.
• Write and maintain shift schedules, ensuring appropriate staffing levels and coverage for all production areas
• Supervise and mentor production staff, including line leads, operators, and technicians, ensuring all policies, safety standards, and labor laws are followed.
• Foster a culture of performance, safety, and collaboration across shifts and teams.
• Lead efforts to identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Focus on profitable operations by effectively using ERP systems such as MAS, PT, and DCSC, while identifying opportunities to improve productivity.
• Coordinate closely with departments including procurement, logistics, and quality control to ensure a seamless production flow.
• Monitor and report production metrics including throughput, downtime, and quality performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and promote a safe working environment through training, audits, and incident response.
• Conduct regular safety briefings and lead investigations into workplace incidents or near-misses.
• Oversee inventory control, ensuring that materials and finished goods are tracked and managed efficiently.
• Ensure proper documentation of production activities, performance logs, and compliance records.
• Lead or support Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Promote employee development through coaching, on-the-job training, and continuous feedback.
• Support cross-functional projects to improve overall manufacturing operations. • Follow standard operating procedures and safety protocols.

Why Join Us: Because we’re more than just a manufacturer—we’re storytellers of achievement, innovators of design, and dedicated to delivering craftsmanship that celebrates life's milestones.  As part of the Church Hill Classics team, you will be part of a brand recognized for excellence and quality, and you will be an active participant in contributing to the growth and success of a company that values precision, creativity, and collaboration.

We also offer fantastic benefits:

• Company Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• 401k
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Participation in Perks at Work (discounts on a wide variety of specialty services and everyday items)
• Annual Incentive Payout (amount based on company performance)

What We're Looking For:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• OSHA certification.
• Proficient in ERP systems, manufacturing software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Working knowledge of production planning, scheduling, and process improvement techniques.
• Skilled in interpreting performance metrics and using data to guide decisions.
• In-depth understanding of safety regulations and manufacturing best practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong problem-solving and time management skills, especially under fast-paced conditions.
• Proficient in utilizing a company app or tablet related to personnel records and/or timekeeping.

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (will consider years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree).
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production management.
• Experience managing teams in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.