Production Manager

Datwyler’s high-tech elastomer components make a vital contribution to the safety, reliability and functionality of critical systems in billions of syringes and coffee capsules, in every second vehicle worldwide, and in energy-related applications. Datwyler serves highly regulated and technologically demanding markets, such as Healthcare, Automotive, Food & Beverage and Industry.
With around 7,500 employees and 25 production sites on four continents, we work closely with customers from concept to series production. Our employees are at the heart of Datwyler. Guided by Mastery, Impact and Respect, we continuously improve, focus on meaningful results and collaborate with trust and openness.
Become part of our team as a Production Manager.

Summary of Position

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations for the Houston location. This site operates a diverse manufacturing environment that includes CNC mills, CNC lathes, rubber molding and press operations, assembly, testing, and related production processes serving the Oil & Gas industry and other industrial markets. This role provides leadership to production supervisors, leads, and manufacturing personnel while partnering closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Commercial teams to execute the production plan and achieve business objectives. The Production Manager is a key member of the Site Leadership Team and is accountable for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost performance, and development of our manufacturing talent.

The ideal candidate combines strong people leadership and operational management experience with a technical understanding of CNC machining and precision manufacturing processes. Experience leading machinists and machining operations in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment is highly desirable. Experience within oil and gas, industrial manufacturing, or engineered product environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

- Lead and develop production supervisors, leads, and manufacturing personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.

- Oversee and support machining, molding, assembly, testing and all related manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high quality execution of customer requirements.

- Execute the site production plan and ensure personnel, equipment, and resources are appropriately aligned to meet customer commitments.

- Establish and monitor key performance indicators.

- Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and workforce development plans are in place.

- Lead the site’s manufacturing safety program by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety and risk mitigation programs, incident investigations and corrective actions.

- Lead investigations and resolution of production, quality, and operational issues while implementing sustainable corrective and preventive actions.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, throughput, waste reduction, cost optimization, capacity utilization, and process reliability.

- Oversee equipment reliability and collaborate with Maintenance to ensure effective preventive and corrective maintenance programs.

- Manage departmental budgets and resources to achieve operational and financial objectives.

- Lead and manage capital projects and coordinate with the Facility & Maintenance Manager for equipment installations and manufacturing expansion initiatives.

- Demonstrate safety and quality leadership through daily actions, visible engagement on the shop floor and consistent reinforcement of operational standards.

- Ensure compliance with all company policies and applicable environmental, health, safety, and regulatory requirements across the team.

Qualifications

- Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related fields preferred but not required.

- Minimum 7-10 years of manufacturing leadership experience in a production environment.

- Experience managing CNC machining operations including CNC mills, CNC lathes, machining personnel, tooling, and production performance metrics.

- Experience in oilfield equipment, industrial products, metalworking, precision machining, or related manufacturing environments preferred.

- Experience supporting molding, rubber processing, or compression press operations is beneficial but not required.

- Minimum 3-5+ years of people leadership experience managing supervisors and/or production teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to motivate and engage employees at all levels.

- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing operations, capacity planning, and production performance.

- Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, safe work practices, hazard recognition, incident investigation, and regulatory compliance within a manufacturing environment.

- Demonstrated ability to promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable environmental, health, and safety requirements.

- Knowledge and experience implementing lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational excellence principles.

- Understanding of quality systems, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes.

- Experience with ERP systems and production reporting tools; SAP experience required.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational metrics and drive improvements.

- Working knowledge of MS Office, including Excel.

- Fluent in English.

Physical Requirements- Working Conditions

- Position requires regular walking, standing, and observation of manufacturing operations throughout the workday.

- Work is performed in a combination office and manufacturing environment, with significant time spent supporting production activities on the shop floor.

- Regular exposure to CNC machining, rubber molding, assembly, material handling, forklifts, cranes, noise, moving machinery, oils, and other manufacturing conditions; appropriate personal protective equipment required.

- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials, tools, equipment, or components up to 50 lbs.

- Occasional travel to company facilities and/or off-site meetings.

Be yourself at Datwyler

People make the difference at Datwyler. We offer a wide range of career and development opportunities in an international company where you can contribute your skills, ideas and experience. Together, we create an environment where people can grow and help shape our future.

www.datwyler.com