Production Manager

Job Description:

1. Wood Processing (Sawmill, Drying, and Machining):

- Oversee sawmill operations, ensuring efficient log processing and optimal material yield.

- Manage the drying process (kiln or air-drying) to achieve the required moisture levels in wood while minimizing defects.

- Supervise raw wood cutting, planning, tenoning, drilling, and sanding operations.

- Ensure compliance with product specifications and quality standards throughout the wood processing stages.

2. Finishing (Water-Based Finishing – Dip & Hang, Roller Coating):

- Oversee the water-based finishing process, including dip and hang methods, ensuring uniform coating and minimal defects.

- Manage roller coating operations, ensuring consistency in the finish of straight components.

- Work closely with the R&D and quality control teams to implement improved finishing techniques.

3. Steel Processing (Cutting, Welding, and Powder Coating):

- Lead steel processing operations, including raw cutting, laser cutting, and welding to meet production timelines.

- Manage powder coating processes, ensure smooth finishes, durable coatings, and compliance with safety regulations.

- Implement continuous improvements in steel processing methods to reduce material waste and enhance product quality.

4. Soft Foaming Line (PUR Foam Production and Processing):

- Supervise PUR foam production, from foaming into blocks to processing cushions and sofas, ensuring quality and consistency.

- Monitor the foam cutting process to ensure proper size, shape, and density, according to product requirements.

- Ensure safe handling of chemicals involved in the foaming process and adherence to environmental regulations.

5. Sewing Department:

- Oversee sewing operations for upholstery and fabric-related tasks, ensuring high-quality stitching and adherence to design specifications.

- Manage sewing teams to ensure timely production of fabric covers for cushions, sofas, and other upholstered products.

- Coordinate with the design and quality teams to implement improvements in sewing processes.

6. Production Planning & Optimization:

- Develop and implement production schedules and workflow plans for the wood, steel, foaming, and sewing departments.

- Monitor production output and efficiency, making adjustments to reduce downtime and improve overall productivity.

- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize resource utilization, reduce costs, and improve yield.

7. Quality Control & Standards Compliance:

- Ensure that all production processes meet the highest quality standards and that finished products comply with specifications.

- Implement and monitor quality control measures at each stage of production, from raw material processing to final assembly.

- Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations across all production lines.

8. Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and manage production teams across wood, steel, foaming, and sewing departments, fostering a culture of teamwork and efficiency.

- Provide coaching and training to ensure employees’ technical skills align with production needs and safety requirements.

- Establish performance metrics and provide regular feedback to team members to drive continuous improvement.

9. Inventory & Material Management:

- Manage inventory levels for raw materials, finished goods, and production supplies, ensuring timely procurement and minimal waste.

- Coordinate with the procurement and logistics teams to ensure smooth material flow and avoid production delays.

10. Production Reporting & Budgeting:

- Maintain detailed records of production activities, including output, material usage, and labor costs.

- Monitor production budgets, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.

- Report regularly to senior management on production performance, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Requirement:

1. Experience

-          Minimum 10 years of experience in production management, preferably in the furniture manufacturing industry.

-          Strong background in managing wood processing

2. Technical Skills:

-          Knowledge of sawmill operations, kiln drying, woodworking machinery (planning, drilling, sanding), and steel cutting and welding techniques.

-          Proficiency in managing PUR foam production and foam processing techniques for cushion and sofa manufacturing.

-          Familiarity with sewing operations for upholstery and other fabric applications.

-          Strong understanding of production planning, quality control, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).

3. Leadership & Communication:

-          Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a large, multi-departmental team.

-          Excellent communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, quality control, procurement, and logistics.

-          Proven ability to lead production teams to meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

4. Problem Solving & Decision Making:

-          Strong analytical skills to identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve production efficiency and output.

-          Ability to make quick, informed decisions in a fast-paced production environment.

5. EHS & Compliance:

-          In-depth knowledge of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations related to furniture manufacturing, especially with wood, steel, and foam production.

-          Familiarity with sustainability practices in the furniture industry, particularly in finishing processes.

6. Education:

-          A degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

-          Certifications in production management, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma are a plus.