Production Manager

Company Description

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024.

Job Description

Sika is seeking an experienced Production Manager to support our Ames, IA location, Colorbiotics. 

Colorbiotics is an industry leader in colorant technology, utilizing their scientifically-backed pigment process to infuse high-quality color into a variety of landscape, recreational and asphalt products. 

The Plant Manager has direct responsibility for managing daily plant production to ensure safety, quality, people, delivery and costs standards are met. The successful candidate also implements company policies, ensures coaching, development and team building of the production staff assuring performance goals are achieved consistently. The Production Manager drives zero defect culture in safety, quality and productivity.  supporting the overall operation of the facility and providing functional direction to the production team.

 

Primary Duties:

• Direct or coordinate production, processing, and distribution of the site.
• Safely deliver products on time, in full with the highest quality at the lowest cost possible while providing a great place to work.
• Develop and implement operational methods and procedures to improve efficiency and product quality, adhering to established guidelines.
• Review production schedules to make decisions concerning staffing requirements, job assignments while considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.
• Develop, maintain and ensure compliance with leader standard work programs (5S, instruction sheets, etc)
• Develop, implement or interact with production tracking or quality control systems, analyzing production, quality control, maintenance, or other operational reports, to detect production problems.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local levels for the protection of all employees.
• Assist in the completion of performance plans and reviews for employees and is active in employee development process.  Ensure expectations are clearly communicated and employees are held accountable for behaviors and results. 
• Develop budgets or approve expenditures for supplies, materials, or human resources, ensuring that materials, labor, or equipment are used efficiently to meet production targets.
• Initiate or coordinate inventory or cost control programs.
• Maintain a well-organized, compliant area of responsibility in line with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies and legal requirements.
• Maintain a safety-first approach in project development and execution, supporting Process Safety programs, participating in compliance audits, and conducting hazard and risk assessments.
• Set measurable EHS objectives, including employee training programs, as part of continuous improvement efforts, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• BS/BA Degree (engineering or technical degree preferred) and
• At least 5 years of prior experience in the chemical or coatings industry,
• At least 3 years of management experience in manufacturing environment and multiple shifts, budgetary responsibilities of >$1 million and capital projects over $500K.
• At least 5 years of experience with MS-Office and ERP system. Proficient with KPI reporting, cost analysis and presentations.
• At least 1 year of experience in project management 
• Experience with ASQ ISO 90001 and ISO 14001 is a plus. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in the following competencies:

Innovation – Leveraging possibility thinking in creating new value for customers

Accountability – Delivering excellence through personal motivation and engagement

Performance Excellence – Elevating the performance bar and delivering on commitments with high quality solutions

Change and Risk Taking – Working toward our future, altering the course as needed and balancing risks and rewards in making decisions

Customer Focus – Understanding customer needs and delivering s