Production Manager
Job Description: Production Manager
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Industry: Heavy Industrial Manufacturing (Large Steel Fabrication & Engineered Equipment)
About the Company
This organization is a heavy‑industrial manufacturer specializing in large, custom‑engineered steel products used in critical power‑infrastructure and industrial applications. The company designs and fabricates robust enclosures, structural steel assemblies, and specialized fluid‑handling components used across commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. Its in‑house engineering and fabrication teams produce high‑reliability solutions where safety, durability, and quality are essential.
Position Summary
The Production Manager oversees all daily manufacturing operations within a high‑mix, project‑driven fabrication environment. This role leads teams responsible for welding, metal fabrication, assembly, finishing, and testing while ensuring products meet stringent structural, environmental, and safety standards. The ideal candidate has experience in large‑scale steel fabrication and thrives in a culture that values craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Direct end‑to‑end production operations for custom steel enclosures, heavy industrial assemblies, and fluid‑system components.
- Oversee welding, cutting, forming, finishing, and mechanical assembly functions.
- Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure on‑time delivery for project‑based manufacturing.
- Ensure efficient use of materials, equipment, and labor across the facility.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture consistent with heavy‑manufacturing environments.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable workplace safety regulations and internal safety policies.
- Maintain safe operation of fabrication machinery, material handling equipment, and industrial tools.
Quality Management
- Ensure products meet strict structural, performance, and environmental standards.
- Implement in‑process inspections, final audits, and continuous quality improvements.
- Partner with Engineering and Quality teams to reduce rework, increase consistency, and improve manufacturability.
Team Leadership
- Lead skilled trades personnel, including welders, fabricators, assemblers, and technicians.
- Train and mentor team members, support skills development, and maintain a positive, collaborative environment.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support workforce planning and staffing.
Continuous Improvement
- Implement lean manufacturing practices, 5S, and process optimization initiatives.
- Identify bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies; drive corrective actions.
- Support facility layout improvements to enhance flow and productivity.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Project Management, and Sales to align production with technical requirements and delivery commitments.
- Participate in project reviews, production planning meetings, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
- Provide manufacturability feedback during engineering and design phases.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in production or operations management in heavy manufacturing or large‑scale metal fabrication.
- Strong knowledge of welding, structural steel fabrication, and industrial finishing processes.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, fabrication blueprints, and technical specifications.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing skilled trades.
- Knowledge of workplace safety standards and industrial compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication, planning, and problem‑solving ability.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with project‑based manufacturing or custom‑engineered products.
- Exposure to large industrial enclosures, equipment housings, or fluid‑handling systems.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent continuous‑improvement training.
- Experience collaborating with engineering teams on design‑for‑manufacture improvements.
What the Company Offers
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- A strong safety‑first culture
- Opportunities for advancement within a growing industrial manufacturing operation
- The ability to contribute to essential infrastructure projects across multiple sectors
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your CV to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.