Hybrid Assistant Production Manager na Toray Performance Materials Corporation

Position: Assistant Production Manager

Toray Performance Materials Corporation (TPMC) is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Assistant Production Manager to support and coordinate daily manufacturing operations in a lean, fast-paced composite production environment. This role requires a leader who is not only comfortable working directly with production equipment and operators, but also capable of managing resources, resolving issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the shop floor.

As part of a small and agile team, the Assistant Production Manager will wear multiple hats—ranging from supervising production flow and troubleshooting equipment, to helping with planning, safety practices, and training team members. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong technical background to gain broad exposure and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Company Overview: As a leader in the development and manufacturing of thermoplastic composites technology and products, TPMC, a part of the Toray Advanced Composites (TAC) Group, is at the forefront of innovation. With a strong presence in consumer recreation, medical, electronics, and other industrial sectors, we're committed to growth and expanding into new markets.

Position Overview: 

The Assistant Production Manager is responsible for supporting the Production Manager on safety, production, quality, on-time delivery, production and labor efficiency.   Work alongside supervisors, leads and trainers to ensure employees are meeting the requirements of the organization. This will include training plans being met and maintained, growth and development of operators and ensure employees are following polices and procedures. The individual in this role is responsible for meeting and maintaining financial plans and strategic goals including production output. The ideal candidate for this role will be a technically strong and agile leader for dynamic and fast-growing optical assembly and test operation.

Major Duties and Requirements (focusing on assisting production manager and learning): 

Production Oversight

• Assist with daily production planning and execution, ensuring workflow efficiency and alignment with delivery targets
• Monitor production status, coordinate personnel and material readiness, and help prioritize tasks on the floor
• Provide hands-on support to resolve process or equipment issues in real time

Team Leadership

• Supervise and guide operators and technicians, ensuring consistent adherence to work procedures and product quality standards
• Support onboarding, training, and skills development for production staff
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Process & Equipment Support

• Learn and provide backup support for process engineering activities, including managing Bills of Materials (BOM) and production routers, and assisting with process documentation and updates.
• Understand and apply principles of Design of Experiments (DOE) to support process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Navigate the ERP system effectively to retrieve, analyze, and utilize key production and operational data.
• Work closely with the production team to identify and address bottlenecks, downtime, or yield issues
• Coordinate with maintenance and technical teams on basic troubleshooting and preventive maintenance planning
• Recommend improvements to equipment utilization and workflow

EHS & Employee Safety Engagement

• Lead implementation and execution of EHS programs, including:
  • Daily/weekly Gemba walks to identify safety improvements and engage teams
  • Organizing and facilitating monthly safety meetings with leadership and employees
  • Managing incident investigations, corrective actions, and risk assessments
  • Preparing and submitting corporate EHS reports and compliance documentation
  • Supporting audits and maintaining alignment with local regulatory requirements
• Champion a proactive safety culture through direct involvement and visible leadership.
• Promote safety awareness and employee involvement at all levels of the organization.
• Promote and uphold safe working habits and general housekeeping standards
• Lead the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and job safety analysis (JSA). 

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Interface with planning, engineering, quality, and warehouse teams to support smooth production handoffs
• Assist with inventory coordination and raw material readiness
• Participate in improvement projects related to productivity, layout, and resource efficiency

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate production records, shift logs, and downtime reporting
• Track and report key metrics such as output, scrap, and efficiency
• Help analyze trends and identify areas for corrective or preventive action

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Assist managing production crew

Travel: 

As required 5-10%

Experience, Education Requirements, and Language Skills: 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related technical field preferred
• 4–6 years of hands-on manufacturing experience including time in a university lab setting, with at least 1–2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity
• Exposure to composites or technical materials or high-mix production environments preferred
• Working knowledge of thermoplastics compounding, lamination, composites cutting, and thermal forming/injection molding processes is a plus
• Strong mechanical aptitude; capable of learning and supporting equipment troubleshooting
• Understanding of Quality Management Systems, specifically ISO-9001 is preferred
• Proactive and organized, with the ability to manage day-to-day details while supporting long-term improvements
• Effective communicator with strong team leadership and coordination skills
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment where roles are fluid and flexibility is essential
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, 5S, or structured problem-solving methods is a plus

Proficient in Microsoft Office; basic ERP or MES system experience preferred

Compensation: A competitive compensation package including base salary, potential for bonus based on performance, health insurance, and 401k will be available to the qualified applicant.  

Toray Performance Materials Corporation employment practices offer equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer/employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.