Company Overview:
Since our incorporation in 1976, DECA manufacturing has grown into a trusted future-focused supplier, with a diverse customer base and set of capabilities. We are located in a modern facility in Lexington, Ohio.
From adding sensors and automation, improving back office systems, and strategically building the DECA team; DECA is expanding its footprint, getting noticed, and supporting the local community. Cameron Haring, DECA’s President, is a leader in the community and has been recognized by Forbes for how he is investing in DECA.
Core Products:
DECA routinely handles medium to large volume production runs but accommodates smaller volume orders and builds prototypes too. We are able to process a wide range of wire types and connector terminations. Our core specialties include:
- Specialized cable assemblies
- Large wire harness
- Wire leads
- Box builds and systems integrations
Position Overview:
Reporting to the President, the Production Manager role is new to DECA, and the incoming hire will have the opportunity to shape the role, bring best in class practices to the organization, and will be instrumental in the organization’s growth plans.
This role will be the hands on leader over DECA’s production facility, and will include building production schedules, ensuring production processes stay within budgets and deadlines, and reviewing the productivity of an organization’s manufacturing equipment. In addition, the Production Manager will oversee the performance of the facility, and provide people leadership to the production team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily operations of the facility and be a hands-on leader on the production floor, including running daily shop floor meetings with the team.
- In partnership with the President, establish, own and manage production metrics, and use them to guide day-to-day decision making (i.e., on-time delivery, scrap, and returns)
- Set productivity goals for each manufacturing team, establishing a balance between increased productivity and reduced costs of manufacturing operations.
- Develop workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
- Motivate, support and provide guidance to production staff, including management of day-today employee relations matters. Reporting directly to this position are several line leads and a dozen hourly production employees.
- Oversee quality efforts ensuring quality standards are met for the organization in partnership with Quality Technicians (level of responsibility in this area will depend on experience level).
- Focus on continuous improvement, ensuring we are utilizing best practices, including lean manufacturing techniques, and opportunities to cross train.
- Oversee hiring, onboarding, training and scheduling of production employees.
- Ensure all safety and health standards are met to keep an organization accident-free.
- Evaluate machine resources to ensure continued production and minimal downtime.
Candidate Requirements:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing Engineering or similar is preferred; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience:
- 5+ years of relevant production experience coupled with at least 3 years of management/supervisory experience.
- Experience with inventory control, purchasing, quality and safety.
- Experience with hiring, training, scheduling and employee relations.
- Tech savviness with experience with Microsoft Office Suite (largely in excel). Experience with an ERP system is a plus.
- Experience with continuous improvement efforts and/or Lean manufacturing is preferred.
- Working knowledge of ISO processes is required, as we are an ISO facility. Previous experience working in quality in a manufacturing department is a preference. Experience in an automotive industry quality environment (IATF) is a plus.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities:
- Ability to coach and motivate employees.
- Proven project management and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings and communicate to groups.
- Highly collaborative, with an openness to a healthy debate.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Proven record in training employees in safety and production.
- Strong working knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
