Assistant Production Manager – Manufacturing

Location: Columbus, OH
Salary: $70,000–$85,000 annually
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Production Manager to support daily manufacturing operations in Columbus, Ohio. This position is ideal for a manufacturing professional with strong supervisory experience, a hands-on leadership style, and the ability to drive production efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety.

The ideal candidate will have experience supervising manufacturing personnel, coordinating production schedules, and resolving operational challenges. Automotive manufacturing experience is highly preferred but not required.

This position offers an opportunity to work closely with the Production Manager, develop leadership skills, and advance into greater management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Production Manager in overseeing daily manufacturing operations, production schedules, and departmental performance.
• Supervise, train, coach, and develop production employees to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing operations.
• Coordinate production priorities, staffing assignments, and workflow to meet established production schedules.
• Monitor manufacturing processes and ensure finished products meet quality standards and customer specifications.
• Implement and enforce workplace safety policies, procedures, and manufacturing regulations.
• Evaluate employee performance, address workplace concerns, and support disciplinary and performance improvement processes.
• Identify and resolve production problems, equipment malfunctions, and operational inefficiencies.
• Coordinate routine equipment maintenance, machine setup, and production readiness.
• Work closely with other supervisors and departments to maintain efficient plant operations.
• Review production requirements, estimate labor needs, and adjust work procedures to meet production goals.
• Recommend improvements to manufacturing methods, equipment performance, productivity, and product quality.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and promote a positive, accountable team environment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience supervising production employees, assigning work, and coordinating manufacturing activities.
• Strong understanding of production schedules, manufacturing processes, quality standards, and workplace safety.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve production problems, manage competing priorities, and support operational improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with production employees, supervisors, and plant management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in automotive manufacturing or automotive supplier operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting a Production Manager or managing multiple production teams.
• Background in continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or manufacturing process optimization.
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, employee performance, safety, and product quality.
• Experience coordinating equipment maintenance and production resources.