CNC Production Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Shift Type: First Shift

Location: 201 WAVY - PORTSMOUTH, VA 23704 US (Primary)
3132 VICTORY - PORTSMOUTH, VA 23702 US

Summary:

The Production Manager oversees the end-to-end manufacturing operations across material processing and structural assembly activities. This role is responsible for managing production execution across CNC processing operations

(plasma table and 6-axis robotic CNC cell), CNC programming resources, and structural assembly teams producing panels and fabricated assemblies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Production Leadership & Execution

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across CNC processing, CNC programming, structural assembly, and fabrication activities.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet cost, quality, schedule, and safety objectives.
• Manage throughput from raw material processing through completed panel and fabricated assembly delivery.
• Establish production priorities and allocate labor, equipment, and resources to maintain schedule commitments.
• Monitor operational performance and remove barriers impacting execution.

CNC Processing & Programming Oversight

• Provide direct leadership and oversight to CNC Operators and CNC Programmers.
• Ensure machine programs are developed, validated, and released to production in alignment with schedule requirements.
• Drive optimization of machine utilization, material yield, setup reduction, and equipment effectiveness.
• Establish standards for machine programming, nesting strategy, and production execution.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance activities to maximize uptime and reliability.

Structural Assembly & Fabrication Leadership

• Oversee structural panel assembly and fabricated product execution from component processing through final assembly.
• Ensure assembly sequencing, fit-up strategy, and workflow support efficient production.
• Coordinate fabrication resources to support delivery requirements and footprint utilization.
• Monitor assembly productivity, rework, and quality performance.
• Support implementation of build strategies and manufacturing process improvements.

Workforce Leadership & Development

• Lead supervisors, operators, assemblers, programmers, and support personnel to achieve operational goals.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety, schedule, quality, and performance.
• Develop workforce capability through coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and performance management activities.
• Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Operational Controls & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and manage KPIs across Cost, Quality, Schedule, and Safety.
• Conduct daily production reviews and communicate performance against plan.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Support capital projects, equipment implementation, and facility improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures and customer requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years of manufacturing or production leadership experience in industrial operations.
• Minimum 3 years leading automated manufacturing, CNC processing, fabrication, or structural assembly teams.
• Experience managing operations utilizing CNC plasma, robotic processing systems, or automated fabrication equipment.
• Experience supporting structural steel fabrication, shipbuilding, heavy manufacturing, modular construction, or industrial assembly operations.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams including Production, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Knowledge of production planning, capacity management, and manufacturing metrics.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, visual management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience launching new manufacturing capabilities, facilities, or equipment.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong understanding of fabrication, assembly, and production workflows.
• Experience managing schedules, manpower planning, and production performance.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent movement throughout manufacturing and production environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while supporting operations.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to access production areas, equipment, and assembly locations.
• Visual ability to review production conditions, drawings, and quality requirements.
• Ability to wear required PPE in industrial environments.

Work Environment:

• Combination of office and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Frequent interaction with automated manufacturing systems, production equipment, and fabrication operations.
• Exposure to noise, airborne particulates, welding fumes, and moving equipment when supporting shop floor operations.
• Work may require schedule flexibility to support production demands, startup activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Strict adherence to all safety procedures and operational controls is required.