American Appliance Products, LLC Newport, Tennessee American Appliance Products, LLC (AAP) is a leading manufacturer and supplier serving the residential appliance industry. Located in Newport, Tennessee, AAP is committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality products to our customers through a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork. Job Summary The Production Manager is responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of quality products. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager and requires a highly visible, hands-on leadership style with a significant presence on the manufacturing floor. The Production Manager will work closely with supervisors, maintenance, quality, engineering, and materials teams to achieve operational objectives while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide daily leadership and direction to production personnel to meet safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets.
- Maintain a strong shop floor presence, actively engaging with employees, monitoring operations, and resolving production issues in real time.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control.
- Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
- Investigate manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Support the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods.
- Monitor production schedules and staffing requirements to ensure customer demands are met.
- Lead, coach, develop, and hold accountable supervisors and team members to achieve performance expectations.
- Conduct performance evaluations, establish goals, and support employee development and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of employee engagement, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, environmental regulations, safety requirements, and applicable laws.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility, including standard work, 5S, visual management, waste elimination, and continuous improvement activities.
- Maintain strong communication with cross-functional departments to support overall plant performance.
- Participate in production meetings and provide updates on key operational metrics.
- Support plant initiatives related to quality systems, customer requirements, and operational improvements.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship Reports To: Plant Manager Qualifications & Experience Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Prior experience managing production operations in a high-volume manufacturing facility.
- Demonstrated success leading teams in a hands-on, shop floor-focused environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with employee development, coaching, performance management, and workforce engagement.
- Understanding of production scheduling, quality systems, inventory control, and manufacturing processes.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing reporting systems.
General Requirements
- Must be a hands-on leader who spends the majority of the workday actively engaged on the production floor.
- Strong sense of urgency and accountability.
- Ability to effectively communicate with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Results-oriented with a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Flexible to support operational needs, including occasional off-shift coverage.
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing plant environment with frequent and extended periods on the production floor.
- Regular walking throughout the facility and interaction with production employees.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Exposure to manufacturing equipment, moving machinery, varying temperatures, noise, and industrial conditions.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas.
Equipment Used
- Computer and manufacturing software systems
- Telephone and mobile communication devices
- Manufacturing and production monitoring systems
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Commitment to Core Values
- Safety
- Integrity
- Respect
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Customer Focus
- Continuous Improvement
- Excellence
Note: This position is expected to be highly visible and actively involved in daily plant operations. Success in the role requires spending substantial time on the shop floor leading teams, addressing issues firsthand, and driving operational performance through direct engagement with employees and processes.