Factory Production Manager

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

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

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Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. 

State-Specific Information: 

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. 

• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 

• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. 

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment 

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. 

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. 

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.