Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Factory Manager

💰 $95,000 - $150,000+

ManufacturingOperations ManagementProductionLeadershipSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

As a Factory Manager, you are the cornerstone of our manufacturing operations, responsible for the comprehensive oversight and strategic direction of the entire facility. You will be instrumental in driving a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. This leadership role involves managing all production-related activities to meet customer demand, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards, and achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency, quality, and cost. You will lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of supervisors and production staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. This is a critical role that directly impacts our company's profitability and reputation for quality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Production Manager / Senior Production Supervisor
  • Operations Manager
  • Senior Manufacturing Engineer
  • Continuous Improvement Manager

Advancement To:

  • Director of Operations
  • Plant Director / General Manager
  • VP of Manufacturing
  • Regional Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Supply Chain
  • Quality Assurance Director
  • Director of Continuous Improvement

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and coordinate all daily manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, and quality control, to ensure the facility runs efficiently and effectively across all shifts.
  • Develop and execute the plant's strategic plan, aligning production goals with broader business objectives and driving initiatives to enhance operational performance.
  • Assume full P&L responsibility for the factory, including developing and managing annual budgets, forecasting financial requirements, and analyzing variances to implement corrective actions.
  • Champion a world-class safety culture by enforcing all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations (including OSHA standards), conducting regular safety audits, and promoting employee-led safety initiatives.
  • Lead, mentor, and empower the production management team and workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, professional development, and high employee morale.
  • Drive a robust continuous improvement program using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste, and increase productivity.
  • Oversee the facility's quality management system (QMS) to ensure products meet or exceed customer specifications and stringent internal quality standards.
  • Manage production planning and scheduling to optimize resource allocation (labor, equipment, materials) and ensure on-time delivery of customer orders.
  • Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to ensure a consistent and cost-effective flow of raw materials while managing inventory levels to prevent stockouts or excess.
  • Authorize and manage capital expenditure (CapEx) projects for new equipment, technology upgrades, and facility improvements to support growth and efficiency goals.
  • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), scrap rates, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery, reporting on performance to senior leadership.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance program to maximize equipment uptime and minimize unplanned downtime.
  • Resolve complex operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to prevent production delays and ensure product quality is maintained.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to support New Product Introduction (NPI) processes, ensuring a smooth transition from development to full-scale production.
  • Manage and cultivate key relationships with vendors, suppliers, and external contractors to ensure reliable service and cost-effective partnerships.
  • Ensure the facility remains in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, as well as any industry-specific certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949).
  • Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and manage the talent pipeline for the operations team.
  • Prepare and present detailed operational reports and business updates to the executive leadership team, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
  • Champion the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and digital tools (Industry 4.0) to enhance data visibility and drive smart factory initiatives.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for any major facility issues, including emergencies, equipment failures, or significant personnel matters.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative working environment that encourages open communication and teamwork between departments.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover operational insights.
  • Contribute to the organization's long-term manufacturing strategy and capacity planning.
  • Collaborate with business units like Sales and R&D to translate customer needs and new designs into feasible engineering and production requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for projects related to operational technology and process improvements.
  • Represent the company at industry conferences, community events, and with regulatory bodies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Expert-level proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, VSM, DMAIC) with a proven track record of leading successful CI projects.
  • ERP/MRP Systems: Hands-on experience with Enterprise Resource Planning and Material Requirements Planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Plex).
  • Financial Acumen & P&L Management: Strong ability to develop budgets, manage costs, analyze financial reports, and make data-driven financial decisions for a manufacturing plant.
    -Regulatory Compliance (HSE/OSHA): In-depth knowledge of occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations and best practices within a manufacturing setting.
  • Quality Management Systems (QMS): Thorough understanding of QMS frameworks like ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or other industry-specific quality standards.
  • Production Planning & Scheduling: Advanced skills in capacity planning, production scheduling, and resource allocation to meet dynamic demand.
  • Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Proficiency in managing inventory levels, supplier relationships, and logistics to ensure operational continuity.
  • Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Justification: Experience in preparing business cases, calculating ROI, and managing the execution of large-scale capital projects.
  • Data Analysis & KPI Management: Ability to define, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive performance and report on operational health.
  • Maintenance Management: Knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), preventive/predictive maintenance strategies, and CMMS software.

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership & Team Building: Ability to motivate, coach, and develop a large and diverse workforce, from front-line operators to management staff.
  • Strategic & Critical Thinking: Capacity to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans while managing day-to-day details.
  • Decisive Problem-Solving: A results-oriented approach to identifying problems, analyzing root causes, and implementing effective and timely solutions under pressure.
  • Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to clearly convey information to all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
  • Change Management: Skill in guiding teams through periods of significant change, such as new technology adoption, process overhauls, or cultural shifts.
  • Conflict Resolution & Negotiation: Ability to mediate disputes effectively and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and can pivot strategies in response to changing business needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s Degree

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s Degree (MBA, M.Eng in Engineering Management, or similar)
  • Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green or Black Belt), PMP, or CPIM are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 8-15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5-7 years in a leadership or management role (e.g., Production Manager, Operations Supervisor) with direct reports.
  • Demonstrated experience managing P&L and budgets for a department or facility.
  • Proven track record of successfully implementing and sustaining continuous improvement and safety programs.
  • Experience in an industry relevant to our business (e.g., automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, food & beverage).
Explore More Careers