Manufacturing Manager

Manufacturing ManagerPosition PurposeThe Manufacturing Manager ensures Caton delivers on its promise: precision, reliability, and speed in every high-voltage connector and cable assembly we build. This role owns production execution "” driving discipline, quality, and flow on the shop floor "” while developing a team of supervisors and assemblers into a high-performing, accountable unit. Success means customers always receive on-time, flawless products; employees take pride in their craftsmanship; and operations continuously improve in alignment with Caton's strategic vision.What Great Looks LikeOrders are consistently shipped on time or early with quality that earns zero customer escapesProduction runs with predictable cadence; bottlenecks are solved quickly at the lowest level.Employees are engaged, accountable, and confident in their roles; turnover is below industry average.Supervisors manage their cells effectively, with clear tier meetings and problem-solving routines.Production, engineering, quality, and purchasing collaborate seamlessly, with no surprisesContinuous improvement is visible: lead times shorten, costs drop, and processes stabilize each year.What's UnacceptableFrequent missed ship dates or reactive fire-fighting as the default mode.Weak adherence to AS9100 discipline (work instructions, documentation, traceability).Supervisors not held accountable, resulting in unclear direction for assemblers.Metrics hidden, manipulated, or ignored.Employees feeling disconnected from the mission or quality of their work.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & PeopleLead, coach, and develop supervisors, technicians, and assemblers to build a disciplined, accountable teamRun structured daily tier meetings to review SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) performance.Set clear expectations, hold supervisors accountable, and reinforce Caton's core valuesProduction ExecutionTranslate business goals into daily production priorities and ensure alignment across shifts.Oversee scheduling, work order release, and labor allocation to maximize throughput.Drive adherence to documented processes, ensuring compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.Quality & ComplianceChampion right-first-time manufacturing; enforce work instructions, drawings, and inspection standards.Support corrective actions and lead root cause analysis for production issues.Ensure documentation, configuration control, and traceability are flawless.Continuous ImprovementLead lean initiatives tailored to low-volume/high-mix environments.Implement visual management, SQDC boards, and kaizen events.Partner with Engineering to improve manufacturability and reduce rework.Decision RightsAuthority to approve production schedules, labor assignments, and work order priorities.Authority to enforce shop floor discipline, including stopping production for quality/safety concerns.Budgetary responsibility for direct labor hours and overtime usage.Input into capital equipment purchases, hiring decisions, and training investments.Escalates: major capital expenditures, strategic headcount changes, or cross-departmental conflicts.Goals & Performance Metrics98% On-Time Delivery to promise date.2% Internal Defect Rate (or equivalent DPPM).Labor efficiency aligned to budgeted hours.Year-over-year productivity gains (lead time, throughput, cost).Employee engagement and retention targets achieved.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience).7+ years in manufacturing leadership, ideally in electronics/cable assembly or aerospace/defense.Strong knowledge of AS9100D/ISO 9001 QMS requirements.Proven track record leading teams, driving performance, and implementing lean practices.ERP experience required (SAP strongly preferred).Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Created: 2025-09-26