{"id":2354776,"url":"https://alion.io/job/smardt-production-manager-manufacturing-operations","title":"Production Manager – Manufacturing Operations","company":{"id":3114753,"name":"Smardt","domain":"smardt.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/smardt","size_band":"501-1000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"BambooHR","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":80,"open_postings":15,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.8,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":33,"computed_at":"2026-11-04T06:34:25Z"}},"role":"Operations","role_family":"Operations","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Phoenix, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":76000,"max_usd":149000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":3801},"experience_years_min":7,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Agile","optional":false}],"status":"closed","first_seen_at":"2026-09-28T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-28","last_verified_at":"2026-11-04T23:27:15Z","board_verified":false,"closed_at":"2026-11-04T23:27:15Z","days_open":37,"trust":{"level":"not_scored","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":37},"description":"As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.\nWhat We're Looking For:\nThe Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations within the Phoenix manufacturing facility to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing execution. This role drives operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development while supporting the successful ramp-up and ongoing growth of a fast-paced greenfield manufacturing operation.\nThe ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong experience in production management, Lean manufacturing, workforce development, and operational continuous improvement. The Production Manager will partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to establish scalable manufacturing processes and build a high-performance production culture aligned with Smardt’s operational objectives.\nWhat You'll Do:\nOversee and guide all operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness:\nDesign and implement the manufacturing strategy alongside the annual budget process.\nDevelop and manage the master production schedule and operational budgets, ensuring products are delivered on schedule, within budget, and at the desired quality.\nFoster a continuous improvement mindset by focusing on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and talent development.\nProvide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to direct reports and team members, building a high-performing workforce that drives ongoing improvement and value creation.\nEstablish and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.\nCollaborate closely with product line management, engineering, service, and other departments to integrate best practices into the manufacturing environment.\nCoordinate and participate in preventative and corrective maintenance activities for production support equipment, compressed air systems, HVAC, cranes/hoists, and facility utilities\nCollaborate closely with EHS Manager to ensure facility compliance with OSHA requirements, building codes, and fire safety regulations\nParticipate in the EHS committee to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness, health, safety, and responsible behaviors\nSupport facility safety inspections and maintain required certifications\nWork closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams on factory startup and ongoing operational requirements\nSupport production needs for facility modifications, layout changes, and infrastructure improvements\nContinuous Improvement:\nLead Lean manufacturing initiatives including:\n5S\nKaizen events\nStandard work\nVisual management\nRoot cause analysis\nWaste elimination\nDrive a culture of continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.\nSupport implementation of scalable manufacturing systems and best practices during facility growth.\nLeadership and Workforce Development:\nLead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly production employees.\nEstablish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans.\nSupport recruiting, onboarding, and training initiatives to build a skilled manufacturing workforce.\nFoster a culture of teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and operational ownership.\nDrive employee engagement and retention through effective communication and leadership presence on the production floor.\nConduct regular performance evaluations and succession planning activities.\nWhat You'll Bring:\nExperience:\n7-10 years of manufacturing operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility.\nMinimum 3-5 years leading production teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.\nExperience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations strongly preferred.\nExperience in HVAC, industrial equipment, fabricated products, or engineered manufacturing environments preferred.\nDemonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.\nEducation/Certifications:\nBachelor’s Degree in Engineering\nTechnical Skills:\nERP/MRP systems experience\nKPI dashboard development and operational reporting\nStrong understanding of manufacturing workflows and industrial safety systems\nRoot cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone, A3)\nProduction planning and scheduling systems\nCore Competencies:\nSafety & Quality Obsessed\nProactive and Results Driven\nAgile in a Startup Environment\nContinuous Improvement Champion\nPeople-First Collaborative Leader\nWhat We Offer:\nCompetitive compensation.\n401K matching program.\nA collaborative global environment with opportunities for growth.\nEssential Functions/Physical Requirements:\nThe physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.\nFrequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds, with or without assistance.\nPerform repetitive movements including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and twisting.\nStand and walk for extended periods, up to 8-12 hours per shift.\nClimb ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps as needed.\nReach above shoulder level and work at varying heights.\nUse hands and arms to grasp, handle, manipulate, and operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment.\nPerform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions along with push, pull, grab, pinch and lift arms above the head.\nMaintain balance and coordination while working on uneven surfaces.\nWork in confined or restricted spaces when required.\nTolerate exposure to varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, dust, noise, and outdoor weather conditions.\nMaintain sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards, read in English or Spanish labels, and operate equipment safely.\nMaintain sufficient hearing ability to receive verbal instructions and respond to safety warnings.\nPerform physically demanding tasks for sustained periods consistent with assigned duties.\nEqual Employment Opportunity Statement\nSmardtis an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.\nAs part of our hiring process, Smardtconducts background checks in compliance with applicable laws.\n\nPlease note that Smardtdoes not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. 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