Overview

Our client is a well-established, family-owned manufacturing company with 78 years of excellence in custom foam products. They are seeking an experienced Factory Production Manager to lead their Sylacauga, Alabama facility.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams.

Cultural fit is paramount—the successful candidate must demonstrate humility, hunger for results, and strong interpersonal intelligence. Those who prefer corporate environments or are uncomfortable with hands-on, collaborative leadership may not find this role fulfilling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the manufacturing operation, including warehousing, production, housekeeping, quality assurance, finished goods, and distribution.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies, driving continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, optimise quality, and maximise efficiency.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team through effective recruitment, selection, training, coaching, and performance management. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.
• Implement and oversee new manufacturing initiatives, including strategic resource allocation, process optimisation, and adherence to best manufacturing practices.
• Control product flow from receipt through storage to distribution, ensuring optimal inventory levels through just-in-time principles and strategic production planning.
• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment by enforcing health and safety policies, procedures, and legal requirements (federal, state, and local regulations).
• Conduct regular time studies and production method reviews to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
• Prepare and present operational reports by collecting, analysing, and summarising key performance indicators and production data.

Requirements

Experience & Education

• Proven experience in manufacturing operations management with demonstrated leadership of production teams.
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, including Kaizen, with the ability to apply these concepts to drive measurable improvements.
• Relevant qualifications in manufacturing, operations management, industrial engineering, or a related discipline.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex operational challenges and maintain productivity targets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across all organisational levels, adjust communication style to fit different situations, and demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated expertise in scheduling, managing operational complexity, and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong general computer skills.
• Solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control principles.
• Reasonable level of physical fitness to meet the demands of an active manufacturing environment.

Personal Attributes

• Humble: Compliments others freely, willingly takes on tasks regardless of level, readily acknowledges weaknesses and mistakes, shares credit generously.
• Hungry: Does more than required, feels personal responsibility for team success, passionate about the mission, seeks opportunities to contribute beyond core responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in custom manufacturing or foam products industry.
• Experience managing multi-shift operations.
• Background in quality management systems (ISO, etc.).

Benefits

Base Salary: $80,000 - $110,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Employment Type: Full-time, First Shift

Comprehensive Benefits Include:

•        Health insurance (medical coverage)

•        Paid holiday leave

•        Paid vacation time

•        Company-matched 401(k) retirement plan

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

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Executive Recruiters Huntsville, Birmingham, and Montgomery: Headhunters in Alabama

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