Production Manager

KHS is a subsidiary of Salzgitter AG. As one of the world's leading manufacturers of filling and packaging systems for beverages and liquid food we are a world-class player. Our customers have trusted in our passionate pioneering spirit and first-class technologies for over 150 years. However, we can only remain world class if we continue to find new employees who make just as high demands of themselves and the quality of their work as our customers make of us at KHS. Are you one of them?

The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing leadership with exceptional project management and process improvement skills. They will serve as the key link between Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, Service, and Manufacturing while leading a production team through the successful implementation and growth of this important product line.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing and production activities for the Kisters product line, ensuring alignment with company objectives related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Serve as the primary coordinator and communication hub between Engineering, Parts & Service, Sales, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to drive successful execution of machine builds, rebuilds, and conversion projects.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve production processes, workflows, and standard operating procedures to support the successful localization and growth of the Kisters machinery line.
• Own production planning and scheduling activities, balancing resources, capacity, and priorities to meet customer commitments and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive production and project plans, ensuring alignment of materials, labor, equipment, and project milestones.
• Drive cross-functional project execution by bringing together stakeholders, resolving constraints, and ensuring accountability throughout the production lifecycle.
• Monitor project and production performance, providing regular updates on schedule adherence, resource utilization, risks, and key performance indicators.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Purchasing teams to proactively identify material shortages, supply risks, and capacity constraints that may impact production schedules.
• Coordinate production sequencing and assembly readiness, ensuring all prerequisites and dependencies are satisfied before manufacturing activities begin.
• Lead day-to-day production operations, ensuring efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials while maintaining high standards of quality and productivity.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, on-time delivery, quality, throughput, and project execution.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across all functional areas.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, reduce waste, improve product quality, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage production personnel, including performance management, employee development, workforce planning, and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ISO standards, safety requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment through active support of lean manufacturing principles and 5S practices.
• Oversee maintenance planning and equipment utilization while supporting capital investment recommendations that improve operational performance.
• Support the strategic growth of the Kisters manufacturing operation, helping establish a scalable foundation for future expansion.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within packaging machinery, capital equipment, automation, or custom machinery manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading new product introductions, manufacturing startups, production transfers, or complex equipment build projects.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving results through collaboration, accountability, and effective communication.
• Experience developing production plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies within a made-to-order or engineered-to-order manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, capacity planning, and production management principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and develop meaningful KPIs to drive performance improvements.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational risks, solve complex problems, and make sound business decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as business needs require.
• Valid driver's license and passport required.

Benefits:

In order to ensure our success in the future, too, we need first-class employees – and we also have plenty to offer them.