Production Manager - Components Division

Company Description

Miller® is about building things that matter. We lead the welding industry in building advanced, solution-focused products and meeting crucial needs for welding safety and health.

We’re about the partnership and the work. Our products are designed with our users for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture and marine applications.

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, is headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW). The company maintains its industry leadership by setting the standard for reliability, quality and responsiveness. Our tagline, “The Power of Blue®,” is inspired by the blue color of Miller equipment.

The company began with an innovation that responded to customer needs, growing from a one-man operation in 1929, to the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding products. Miller keeps the tradition alive by focusing on its top priority: people.

Job Description

The Production Manager leads a team of salaried and direct labor employees. This role involves directing all production activities, monitoring and improving work processes, resolving issues, and implementing efficiency-enhancing strategies. The manager fosters a safe and engaged work environment, drives productivity, reduces costs, ensures timely delivery, and develops team capabilities while promoting ITW Culture/Values.

Qualifications

Essential Functions:

Key Responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Coach and develop work teams to exhibit proactive attitudes, personal accountability, and high manufacturing quality, encouraging ownership of operations, products, and processes.
  • Lead safety, cost, quality, delivery, and productivity initiatives through employee involvement, empowerment, and adherence to ITW principles and 80/20 efforts.
  • Build strong employee relationships through open, daily communication and empower teams to achieve manufacturing goals.
  • Be visible and approachable, fostering an environment of trust and followership.
  • Promote a safe workplace, instilling a safety-first mindset with accountability for self and others.
• Operational Efficiency & Customer Service:
  • Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to adapt the manufacturing environment to meet changing customer needs, including area layout, processing plans, and equipment selection to streamline and focus manufacturing processes.
  • Drive customer service excellence across all departmental areas.
• Communication & Conflict Resolution:
  • Encourage effective communication at all levels and train employees/team members to resolve conflicts fairly and consistently within a team environment.
  • Develop and support team members, regularly assessing their performance and goals to encourage the achievement of effective outcomes.
• Resource Planning, Utilization & Reporting:
  • Develop staffing plans to meet delivery, safety, and productivity targets.
  • Assist and support teams in utilizing all available resources efficiently.
  • Participate in committees and teams as required.
  • Provide timely reports on critical information.
• Networking & Collaboration:
  • Build a network of inter-company peers and subject matter experts for consultation on best practices in people management and system/process efficiency.
  • Work closely with support staff and Human Resources.
  • Maintain key contacts with Miller businesses to identify resources and information that enhance cost, quality, and delivery of products to customers.

How to be Successful:

• Ability to build credibility and accountability through effective leadership.
• Business acumen, including understanding of financial operations and supply chain leverage.
• Experience in driving employee involvement and engagement, encouraging creativity and innovation.
• Excellent computer, oral, and written communication skills.
• Commitment to continuing education and self-development.
• Customer-focused mindset, understanding how various business functions support the customer (e.g., engineering, materials, sales).
• Ability to maintain a strong culture while adapting to organizational, workforce, and market changes.
• Encouragement of diverse ideas and focus on coaching/developing team members’ strengths, facilitating effective communication between shifts

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience leading a