Production Manager

Job Overview

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you’ll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that’s always looking ahead. 

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Own day-to-day production performance across assigned operations, ensuring achievement of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost targets.
• Lead multi-shift production teams through clear expectations, leader standard work, and disciplined management routines.
• Establish and sustain tiered accountability systems that drive visibility, problem-solving, and rapid escalation.

Safety & Quality Excellence

• Champion a strong safety culture where safety is a core value and operational decisions reflect that priority.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and quality requirements while driving proactive risk reduction.
• Partner with Quality and Engineering to reduce defects, rework, scrap, and customer escapes through structured root cause analysis.

Continuous Improvement & Cost Management

• Working in conjunction with the CI Team, drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven problem-solving methods.
• Identify and execute cost-out opportunities related to labor efficiency, material usage, flow optimization, and waste reduction.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, supporting capital justification and return-on-investment analysis where appropriate.

Cross-Functional & Strategic Execution

• Collaborate with Engineering on process improvements, automation, and new product or line launches.
• Support product line transfers, capacity changes, and footprint optimization initiatives as business needs evolve.
• Partner with Supply Chain to manage constraints, improve flow, and ensure continuity of supply.

People Development & Engagement

• Develop frontline leaders through coaching, feedback, and structured development plans.
• Build strong engagement across production teams by reinforcing accountability, trust, and clear communication.
• Manage performance effectively, addressing gaps quickly while recognizing strong results.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong manufacturing leadership experience in multi-shift, high-volume or complex operations.
• Demonstrated success improving Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost performance.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, tiered management systems, and structured problem-solving (A3, RCA).
• Ability to lead change, reset expectations, and sustain standard work in dynamic environments.
• Strong business acumen, including budgeting, metrics management, and data-based decision making.
• Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and influence without direct authority.
• Clear, confident communicator at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree a plus or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• Experience supporting large facilities, complex product mixes, or regulated industries.
• ERP experience (Oracle, SAP, or similar).
• Exposure to automation, capital projects, or product line transfers.

Measures of Success

• Sustained improvement in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics.
• Strong operational stability with reduced firefighting and improved execution discipline.
• Development of capable frontline leaders and bench strength.
• Improved customer satisfaction and confidence in manufacturing execution.

What We Offer

At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people – because when you’re supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.

• Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.

• Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you’re supported – at work and beyond.

Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.