Production Manager (New Haven, IN)
13 days ago
New Haven
Job DescriptionDescription: Position Purpose: The Production Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of Rival Lab’s pilot-scale manufacturing and field-installation activities for our proprietary panelized housing system (light-gauge steel framing, automated panel assembly, and integrated mechanicals). This is a hands-on leadership role in the early stage of our growth: you will personally drive execution of the first 10–50 pilot homes in 2026 using rented/subcontracted production capacity, while building repeatable processes, safety systems, and quality controls that will scale with us. You will manage a small team (4–12 direct reports initially) and report directly to Lab leadership. The job requirements include but are not limited to the following: Core Value Expectations • Actively pursue high character, high trust, and high performance personally, corporately, and in all aspects of the position, • Provide distinctive quality and unparalleled customer service both internally and externally, • Demonstrate and promote integrity, respect, and teamwork, • Invite others to help you grow through living authentically with nothing to prove, lose or hide o Manage production capacity (e.g., Scottsdale roll-forming, AUAR-style robotic systems) and field-installation crews. o Build and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), BOM accuracy, cycle-time tracking, and quality checkpoints. o Monitor key performance indicators: hard-cost variance, rework rate, defect rate, on-time completion, and safety incidents. o Drive continuous improvement: identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and implement lean practices. o Hire, onboard, train, and retain high-character talent; conduct regular performance reviews and coaching. o Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork — lead by example on the floor. o Ensure all team members follow safety protocols, wear required PPE, and maintain OSHA compliance. o Lead safety program: conduct daily toolbox talks, incident investigations, and preventative maintenance. o Coordinate with external partners (Scottsdale, AUAR vendors, material suppliers) to ensure smooth material flow and system uptime. o Collaborate with Lab leadership on pilot learnings to refine designs, processes, and licensee requirements. o Prepare for future scaling: document processes that can be transferred to licensed manufacturers. Qualifications: • 7–12 years of progressive operations experience in manufacturing, prefab, modular, panelized construction, light-gauge steel framing, or related field., • Proven track record leading production from pilot/prototype ? low-volume repeatable output (50–200 units/year)., • Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with automated machinery (e.g., roll-formers, robotic arms, framing systems)., • Experience managing small teams (5–20 people) and coordinating field/installation work., • Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain immediately)., • High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate’s degree preferred., • Authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available)., • Background in offsite construction, modular housing, truss/panel fabrication, or metal framing., • Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies., • Experience with subcontracted production or vendor-managed capacity., • Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA 10/30) and quality systems., • Perform the position’s physical functions with extensive mobility and ease including walking, sitting, standing, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and using hands to operate tools necessary for the job, • Indoor manufacturing environment with machinery noise, moving equipment, and dust., • Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, hard hat)., • Occasional outdoor field work for install oversight.Requirements: