Location: Buffalo,NY, USA
The Associate Manager will be responsible for managing, inspiring and developing a team made up of Supervisors, Associates, Technicians, Engineers and Leads. The Associate Manager provides hands-on support, leadership, and direction to their direct reports, and takes pride in their hands-on and analytical abilities, organizational skills and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will appreciate an environment where superior work is encouraged, noticed and rewarded.
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* Drive production output, efficiency, and cost improvements by analyzing and refining manufacturing processes, managing bottlenecks, and implementing process engineering solutions to optimize throughput
* Create, track, and utilize safety, quality, efficiency, and cost metrics to guide decision-making and ensure compliance with operational standards across production
* Oversee Supervisors, Leads, Technician, Engineering and supporting team development through structured coaching, job flexibility, cross-training initiatives, and structured training schedules for skill versatility
* Maintain and ensure compliance with standardized work processes and documentation, applying engineering principles to refine and update process documentation and integrate 5S and other continuous improvement initiatives
* Lead safety and quality compliance efforts by developing and implementing preventative maintenance systems and process controls that minimize downtime and ensure optimal equipment performance, collaborating closely with Quality and Engineering teams
* Collaborate with cross-functional departments to support new product introductions, manage process changes, and develop process plans, tracking budgets and schedules to meet project goals effectively
* Analyze equipment capacity, create machine line loads, and implement equipment contingency plans, ensuring seamless operation and no defects leaving any station or team area throughout the production process.
* 10+ years in high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environments with 5+ years in leadership roles, ideally within high-speed production, with hands-on involvement in process optimization and engineering improvements.
* In-depth knowledge of production systems and processes, including experience designing, implementing, and refining metrics for efficiency, quality, safety, throughput, and cost reduction.
* Proven expertise in process engineering for new product development and launches, including experience introducing new materials and optimizing processes for manufacturability and scalability.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams within a production environment, with a strong emphasis on promoting engineering best practices and fostering close, collaborative working relationships.
* Strong analytical, detail-oriented, and organized approach, with a proven track record of managing high-pressure situations, prioritizing competing demands, and consistently meeting tight deadlines with follow-through.
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience, with extensive knowledge of engineering principles applied to manufacturing, process design, and continuous improvement.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to proactively engage with all levels of staff, maintain a positive outlook in challenging situations, and drive accountability and ownership of assignments.