Unit Manager - Production

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. 

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job

As Unit Manager for Production, you will lead a production team of over 170 employees to achieve operational goals and exceed customer expectations. Your main responsibilities include driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. You will support the Factory Manager and management team with strategic projects, ensuring the team’s performance aligns with business objectives and Alfa Laval’s values.

This is an onsite position located in Broken Arrow, OK.

As a part of the team, you will:

• Responsible for the performance and output of the unit, including financial responsibility (fabrication processes, assembly).
• Create budget/forecasts for Production and follow up on a Monthly basis.
• Responsible for People Development and Succession Planning.
• Secure Standardized work & SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Support Problem Solving & Improvement activities.
• Understand and deal with the real problems of the unit by being present.  
• Perform audits according to ALPS (Alfa Laval Performance System).
• Participate in making the Operational plan.
• Set and follow up targets for Production in the areas of:
  • Safety.
  • Quality.
  • Delivery.
  • Cost.
• Improve and sustain the Safety Culture within Unit together with EHS Department.
• Improve and sustain the Quality Culture within Unit together with Quality Department.
• Drive Continuous Improvement activities to secure short-term targets and to enable future performance improvements, including Lean Six Sigma and 5S.
• Be involved in new product development and give input to existing product development.
• Assess and prioritize Capital Investment needs.
• Assess and prioritize Digitalization needs.
• Be involved in and prioritize Training of Team Members.
• Incorporating technology and digitalization in the factory.
• Actively work with Staffing Plans to meet current and future customer demands.
• Partner with other departments as needed to support the development of the Broken Arrow site.
• Drive the team to consistently meet and exceed ALPS (Alfa Laval Production System) expectations on the manufacturing shop floor, ensuring best practices in safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement are embedded in daily operations.
• All employees are expected to prioritize safety, regardless of role. This includes strict adherence to company-wide safety policies and procedures, proactive promotion of safe practices, and addressing unsafe behaviors or conditions in a constructive and positive manner.
• Employees expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and cooperation toward colleagues, customers, vendors, and visitors.
• Full compliance with all Alfa Laval policies and procedures is required to maintain a respectful, safe, and productive work environment.

"We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games."

What you know:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing setting is required, including oversight of a large workforce.
• Lean Manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience with manufacturing MRP / ERP systems.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Project).
• Be a result driven leader who likes to be present in the organization.
• Drive results through people development.
• Strong oral and written communications skills and ability to adjust style to communicate with colleagues.

Physical and Environmental Factors:

• Office environment with frequent attendance on shop.
• Shop floor: Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (steel toe boots, safety glasses, and ear plugs).
• Shop floor: Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Shop floor: The noise level in the work environment is often loud.
• Shop floor: Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval’s future success. Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job, background, skills, and experience to get it right.  The base salary for this role is typically $101,000.00 - $118,000.00.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer