Production Test Manager
Description
The Production Test Manager is responsible for overseeing all activities within the Production Test Cell area. This includes leading a team of Test Specialists to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety, meet business goals, and to achieve productivity and efficiency targets. The role requires strong leadership, operational management, and technical expertise to drive continuous improvement and deliver customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of Test Specialists to meet first pass yield quality metrics, maximize productivity, and meet customer delivery goals.
- Oversee daily operations of the Test Cell, ensuring all testing processes are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards.
- Quickly identify upcoming challenges, develop mitigation strategies, and implement solutions to minimize downtime.
- Coordinate with engineering, quality, materials, assembly scheduling team, maintenance and other supporting functions to resolve issues and optimize workflow.
- Work with maintenance to ensure test cell facilities can support the operation of our engines from both a personnel, product safety and quality management system standpoint.
- Interview, recruit, and onboard new team members as needed.
- Develop, communicate, and enforce business expectations, policies, and safety guidelines.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering in supporting the NPI tollgate process to ensure test cell infrastructure is equipped for introduction of new products impacting the test program.
- Provide Manufacturing Engineering support regarding indirect spending and ensure adherence to budgetary goals.
- Partner with Human Resources to develop and adjust policies and address employee relations matters.
- Assist with scheduling to maximize efficiency and throughput.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, driving initiatives to reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
- Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed and improvements are consistently implemented.
- Lead by example, encouraging staff to operate at a high level of effectiveness and engagement.
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting related to test results, process changes, and team performance.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for test failures or process deviations.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of production management experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience leading a large, multi-shift workforce.
- Strong technical understanding of engine testing processes and equipment.
- Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Oracle ERP is an asset.
- Six Sigma and LEAN manufacturing certification is an asset.
- Collaborative leadership style with a strong customer focus.
- Ability to build cross-functional relationships and drive team success.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.