Assistant Production Manager chez Gibson Guitar Corporation

The Assistant Production Manager position is a tactical role that supports the Production Manager in the daily performance of the revered Gibson USA Facility as measured through goals and expectations around SQDCHR metrics. The work environment is a high quality, high mix, high volume wood working facility for the creation of USA-made guitars. Working in a “high expectations” environment, the successful candidate will have a diverse, best-practices production background, that includes demonstrable expertise in positive production management, productivity (Lean) disciplines, safety-as-a-priority, and preferably guitar and/or production wood-working knowledge. Reporting directly to this position are Production Supervisors, and indirectly, the entire production Team. The Assistant Production Manager position reports to the Production Manager.

Essential Functions

• Supports the Production Manager by executing a strategic production plan with a day-to-day, hour-by-hour tactical focus 
• Monitors hourly performance of each department across the facility to identify areas requiring support to meet daily SQDC targets
• Responsible for reviewing daily performance results that align with Production Manager’s strategic objectives
• Ensures that all team leaders are following standard work, engaging their teams on a daily basis, and communicating expectations and change effectively
• Works with Supervisors and Team Leads to identify problems, corrective actions, and propose counter measures that align to the strategic direction identified by the Production Manager
• Leads and participates in daily KPI meetings on the floor with cross-functional team members
• Responsible for implementing safety, quality, delivery, cost, team member engagement, and LEAN initiatives
• Confers with Supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments
• Responsible for establishing, auditing, and engaging with visual controls for departments in accordance with the organization’s LEAN journey
• Enforces safety and sanitation regulations
• Conducts employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assigns employee training to experienced team members
• Responsible for employee engagement and development of LEAN principles within teams
• Reviews employees' attendance and hours worked
• Reads and analyzes charts, work orders, production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Must be able to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and organize workload to meet organizational timelines in a fast paced, very high-growth environment
• Solid proficiency in Excel
• LEAN implementation experience including Kaizen events and visual factory initiatives 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Solutions oriented approach to challenges/issues
• Solid interpersonal skills with proven ability to develop and maintain effective business partner relationships at all levels of the organization
• Strong teamwork and project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team
• Curious in nature and always looking to question, learn, and look for better ways to do things

Required Education and Experience 

• BS degree preferred or equivalent with Engineering degree preferred
• 5-7 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• Woodworking and guitar experience is a plus

Essential Knowledge 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills combined with ability to work as part of a team 

Personal Qualities  

• Passionate about working and winning in a team environment.
• Results oriented and driven, with a track record for delivering to plan
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.   Able to proactively question and challenge to prioritize and identify solutions in timely manner
• Clear and logical thinker 
• Relish working in a company with a diverse, challenging, and fast paced environment 

Travel Requirements 

• This position is mostly office based, but may involve irregular travel 

Physical Demands 

• Typical office environment 
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds