Production Manager at Air Hydro Power LLC – Bowling Green, Kentucky

The Production Manager will lead daily production activities at a large-scale electric motor repair facility with 60 employees at full capacity. This role is responsible for coordinating repair workflows, managing production supervisors and technicians, ensuring on-time delivery, maintaining quality standards, and optimizing production efficiency across all repair departments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules to meet customer delivery commitments
• Prioritize work orders based on customer requirements, motor size, complexity, and urgency
• Coordinate workflow between departments (receiving, disassembly, testing, winding, machining, assembly, final test)
• Balance workload across shifts and departments to maximize efficiency and throughput
• Communicate schedule changes and production status to customers and sales team
• Monitor work-in-progress and identify bottlenecks or delays
• Team Supervision & Leadership
• Directly supervise production supervisors/leads across multiple departments (typically 4-8 direct reports)
• Conduct daily production meetings to review priorities, safety concerns, and performance
• Assign work orders and ensure proper distribution of labor resources
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to repair technicians
• Train and develop staff on repair techniques, safety procedures, and quality standards
• Manage attendance, discipline, and performance issues
• Participate in hiring and onboarding of production personnel

Quality Control & Technical Standards:

• Ensure all motor repairs comply with industry standards (IEEE, NEMA, EASA guidelines)
• Review test results and approve repairs before final delivery
• Investigate quality issues and implement corrective actions
• Oversee testing procedures including hi-pot, surge, resistance, vibration, and load testing
• Approve rework decisions and non-standard repair methods
• Maintain repair documentation and test records

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce safety policies and OSHA regulations on the production floor
• Conduct safety meetings and toolbox talks
• Investigate accidents and near-misses; implement preventive measures
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Monitor handling of hazardous materials (solvents, varnish, lead paint, asbestos)
• Maintain clean and organized work areas

Performance Management:

• Track and report production metrics including throughput, on-time delivery, and cycle times
• Monitor labor efficiency and identify opportunities for improvement
• Analyze job costs and labor hours to meet profitability targets
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste
• Conduct root cause analysis on production problems
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives

Materials & Resource Management:

• Coordinate with purchasing on material requirements for active jobs
• Ensure adequate inventory of bearings, windings, insulation materials, and consumables
• Approve material requisitions and substitutions
• Monitor material usage and control waste
• Coordinate with maintenance team on equipment needs and repairs

Communication & Coordination:

• Interface with estimating/sales team on job specifications and technical feasibility
• Update customers on job status, delays, or technical issues
• Coordinate with shipping/receiving on motor handling and logistics
• Report production status and issues to Operations Manager
• Participate in customer site visits for motor removal/installation when needed

Education & Experience:

• Associate's degree in Industrial Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent technical training and experience)
• Minimum 5-7 years in electric motor repair, rewind, or electrical manufacturing
• At least 3-5 years in supervisory or production management role
• Experience managing teams of production employees
• Background in fast-paced, job-shop manufacturing environment

Technical Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of AC and DC motor repair processes
• Understanding of motor winding techniques and coil design
• Experience with motor testing equipment and procedures
• Ability to read and interpret motor nameplates, winding diagrams, and technical drawings
• Knowledge of machining operations for motor shafts, housings, and components
• Familiarity with EASA Best Practice standards (AR100)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
• Effective problem-solving under time constraints
• Clear communication skills (written and verbal)
• Proficient in production planning and scheduling software
• Computer skills including ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and production tracking tools
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on technical skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Industrial Management
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)
• Previous experience in customer-facing technical role

Essential Competencies:

• Technical Leadership: Ability to provide expert guidance on complex motor repairs
• Production Optimization: Drive efficiency while maintaining quality standards
• People Management: Build and develop high-performing teams
• Customer Focus: Balance quality, speed, and cost to meet customer needs
• Adaptability: Respond to changing priorities and emergency repairs
• Safety Mindset: Champion a culture of workplace safety

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to spend 70-80% of time on production floor
• Comfortable working around heavy machinery, noise, and industrial environment
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated work areas
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs
• Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection

Our Benefits!

• #1 CULTURE!!!
• Fun, Family-Oriented Work Environment!
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits that begin on your 1st day of work!
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Company Paid Life, Dependent Life, Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• Vacation & Personal Time
• Employer HSA Contribution
• Company Paid Bereavement Time
• Company Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Gym Reimbursement

Are you an underappreciated, hard worker? Come see why AHP was voted a Nationally Certified "Great Place to Work"!

AHP is an Equal Opportunity Employer