Process Manager

Job Title: Process Manager

Job Code:

PROCMNGR

SUMMARY:

The Process Manager directs shop-floor process control, structured problem solving, and process engineering across powder coating, metal fabrication, welding, and machining equipment. This role focuses equally on stabilizing existing production processes and developing capable processes and sample parts for new projects by establishing clear standard controls around Key Process Input Variables (KPIVs) and Key Process Output Variables (KPOVs). This manager leads hourly process specialists and programmers and works directly on the production floor with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to uncover process variation early, resolve root-cause issues, and improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery.

WAGE TYPE: Salaried Exempt FLSA Exemption: Administrative Exemption

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform job duties in line with company policies, procedures and work instructions pertaining to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001 and safety policies.
• Establish and standardize process controls and operating windows across powder coating, metal fabrication, welding, and machining equipment.
• Verify shop-floor process conditions and process data daily to confirm established controls are followed, uncover variation in active processes, and update ineffective controls.
• Partner with Quality to confirm product meets customer finishing and dimensional specifications and lead structured root-cause problem solving and permanent corrective actions when nonconformances occur.
• Conduct process capability studies across existing production lines and new product launches and track statistical control data continuously to detect process drift early and restore stability.
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Control Plans, process maps, MSA, and SPC systems in alignment with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Lead and coach hourly process specialists and programmers by setting daily priorities across existing production support and new project work, guiding floor troubleshooting, and maintaining revision control over coating parameters and machine programs.
• Walk the production floor regularly to identify recurring bottlenecks, safety hazards, setup losses, and process weaknesses independently, and implement practical engineering fixes before issues escalate into downtime or scrap.
• Create and update routers, travelers, setup standards, rack and tool charts, and visual work instructions, and audit floor execution to close gaps against standardized work.
• Design and validate custom powder coating racks, forming and welding fixtures, workholding tooling, prototypes, and line-side equipment concepts to improve repeatability across existing and new processes.
• Specify and commission production equipment upgrades, automated line feedback controls, coating and material lab testing instruments, and floor data collection systems that strengthen process stability.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to establish preventive maintenance routines, daily operator equipment checks, and standard repair procedures to maximize line uptime and consistency.
• Track performance metrics across safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, OEE, cycle time, and scrap to prioritize improvements on existing lines, and lead shop-floor trials through rollout and cross-shift sustainment.
• Initiate and complete sample parts, process validation runs, PIF, PIP, and PPAP packages for new projects, and integrate new processes into the active production schedule without disrupting delivery.
• Consult with internal teams and external customers on powder coating and fabrication requirements, manufacturability reviews, technical problem resolution, and value-added process improvements.
• Perform additional operational duties as needed in support of Lincoln Industries' Beliefs and Drivers.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

• Reports to Operations Manager
• Supervises Process Specialists and Programmers

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline, plus 2 - 4 years of relevant manufacturing experience, preferably within automotive or metal fabrication/finishing industries, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD design software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.

Preferred:

• Prior experience in tooling and fixture design, equipment installation, process validation, production ramp-up, and commissioning or troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Prior experience with powder coating processes and weld cells.
• Practical familiarity with CAM software and machine programming across CNC machining, laser table, and press brake operations.

Other Skills:

• High personal initiative to investigate shop-floor problems independently and resolve issues through structured root-cause analysis and statistical process data.
• Ability to manage daily process stabilization and competing product launch timelines simultaneously.
• Strong blueprint reading and GD&T interpretation skills.

Communication Skills:

• Must be able to read, write and comprehend the English language.
• Ability to write clear process standards, control documents, and technical reports, and communicate effectively with shop-floor operators, specialists, engineers, plant leadership, suppliers, and customers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Job Category C – Medium Labor Intensive Category Must be able to perform physical functions equivalent to Category C.

Exposure Category Rarely 0-25% of work activity Occasionally 26 -50% of work activity Frequently 51 -75% of work activity Constant 76 - 100% of work activity

Uncomfortable Conditions

X

PPE Required

X

Indoor Work

X

Outdoor Work X

Machine Interfacing

X

Computer Interfacing

X

Hot Weather

X

Cold Weather

X

High Humidity Indexes

X

Electrical Hazards

X

Dirt or Dust

X

Steam X

Fumes or Vapor X

Noise

X

Hazardous/Toxic Chemical Exposure

X

Fire Hazards

X

Confined Workspace X

Awkward or Minimized Workspace X

Walking

X

Stooping

X

Bending

X

Balancing

X

Reaching

X

Continuous Standing

X

Climbing (catwalk, steps, ladders)

X

Carrying < 50lbs

X

Lifting < 50lbs.

X

Twisting

X

Turning

X

Pinching

X

Gripping

X

X

Vibration

X

Squatting

X

Pushing < 50lbs.

X

Pulling < 50lbs.

X

Static Work

X

Pulling

X

Working at Waist-Shoulder Level

X

Working Above Shoulder Level

X

Working In High or Far Reach Position

X

Working Below Shoulder Level

X

24J002B1 of 3 This document is valid 24 hrs from print date. For the most current document go to the LINC