Production Manager – Manufacturing Operations

As a global pioneer in oil-free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal management solutions, Smardt is dedicated to delivering high-efficiency and energy-saving systems for industries, real estate developments, health care and educational centers worldwide. We operate manufacturing facilities in the US, Canada, Germany, China, and Australia, with a team of over 900 employees. With a focus on reliability, performance, and environmental stewardship, Smardt continues to redefine industry standards through advanced engineering and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

What We're Looking For:

The Production Manager is responsible for leading all production operations within the Phoenix manufacturing facility to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing execution. This role drives operational performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development while supporting the successful ramp-up and ongoing growth of a fast-paced greenfield manufacturing operation.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with strong experience in production management, Lean manufacturing, workforce development, and operational continuous improvement. The Production Manager will partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Plant Leadership to establish scalable manufacturing processes and build a high-performance production culture aligned with Smardt’s operational objectives.

What You'll Do:

Oversee and guide all operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness:

• Design and implement the manufacturing strategy alongside the annual budget process.
• Develop and manage the master production schedule and operational budgets, ensuring products are delivered on schedule, within budget, and at the desired quality.
• Foster a continuous improvement mindset by focusing on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and talent development.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to direct reports and team members, building a high-performing workforce that drives ongoing improvement and value creation.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate closely with product line management, engineering, service, and other departments to integrate best practices into the manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate and participate in preventative and corrective maintenance activities for production support equipment, compressed air systems, HVAC, cranes/hoists, and facility utilities
  
• Collaborate closely with EHS Manager to ensure facility compliance with OSHA requirements, building codes, and fire safety regulations
• Participate in the EHS committee to cultivate a culture of environmental awareness, health, safety, and responsible behaviors
• Support facility safety inspections and maintain required certifications
• Work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and operations teams on factory startup and ongoing operational requirements
• Support production needs for facility modifications, layout changes, and infrastructure improvements
  
  

Continuous Improvement:

Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including:

• 5S
• Kaizen events
• Standard work
• Visual management
• Root cause analysis
• Waste elimination
  

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement focused on operational excellence and employee engagement.
• Support implementation of scalable manufacturing systems and best practices during facility growth.

Leadership and Workforce Development:

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and hourly production employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and training initiatives to build a skilled manufacturing workforce.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, engagement, inclusion, and operational ownership.
• Drive employee engagement and retention through effective communication and leadership presence on the production floor.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and succession planning activities.

What You'll Bring:

Experience:

• 7–10 years of manufacturing operations experience with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Minimum 3–5 years leading production teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting startup, expansion, or greenfield manufacturing operations strongly preferred.
• Experience in HVAC, industrial equipment, fabricated products, or engineered manufacturing environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Technical Skills:

• ERP/MRP systems experience
• KPI dashboard development and operational reporting
• Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and industrial safety systems
  
• Root cause analysis methodologies (5 Why, Fishbone, A3)
• Production planning and scheduling systems
  
  

Core Competencies:

• Safety & Quality Obsessed
• Proactive and Results Driven
• Agile in a Startup Environment
• Continuous Improvement Champion
• People-First Collaborative Leader
  

What We Offer: 

• Competitive compensation.
• Health and Dental Benefits from day one.
• 401K matching program.
• A collaborative global environment with opportunities for growth.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements: 
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds, with or without assistance. 

• Perform repetitive movements including bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, and twisting. 

• Stand and walk for extended periods, up to 8–12 hours per shift. 

• Climb ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps as needed. 

• Reach above shoulder level and work at varying heights. 

• Use hands and arms to grasp, handle, manipulate, and operate hand tools, power tools, and equipment. 

• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm motions along with push, pull, grab, pinch and lift arms above the head. 

• Maintain balance and coordination while working on uneven surfaces. 

• Work in confined or restricted spaces when required. 

• Tolerate exposure to varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, dust, noise, and outdoor weather conditions. 

• Maintain sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards, read in English or Spanish labels, and operate equipment safely. 

• Maintain sufficient hearing ability to receive verbal instructions and respond to safety warnings. 

• Perform physically demanding tasks for sustained periods consistent with assigned duties. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Smardt is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

As part of our hiring process, Smardt conducts background checks in compliance with applicable laws.

Please note that Smardt does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Services Agreement with agency/recruiter, we will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee.