Production Flow Manager

Overview

The Production Flow Manager owns end-to-end production flow to ensure stable, predictable execution of the master schedule across manufacturing and assembly operations. This role is accountable for schedule adherence, and removal of flow constraints related to material readiness, work sequencing, and cross-functional alignment. The Production Flow Manager partners closely with Master Scheduling, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Engineering to proactively identify risks, resolve constraints, and continuously improve flow in a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead daily flow huddles and tiered escalation for schedule risk and line readiness.

• Partner with Production Supervisors to sequence work, manage WIP, and stabilize takt.
• Own visual management for flow (schedules, white boards, Andon/ shortage lists, recovery plans).

• Serve as the primary interface between Master Scheduling, Assembly, and Operations for flow execution.
• Align material flow and internal logistics to the production plan; escalate systemic shortages and drive corrective actions with Supply Chain and Purchasing.
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality on change incorporation, nonconformance impacts, and build readiness.

• Lead Lean initiatives to improve flow, reduce WIP, and shorten lead time (supermarkets, pull systems, standard work).
• Drive root cause and corrective actions for recurring schedule misses and line stoppages.
• Establish and maintain standard work for production readiness, shortage management, and flow escalation.

• Lead and develop Production Flow Coordinators.

• Ensure production flow processes comply with AS9100, ITAR, FOD, and internal material handling requirements.
• Promote a safe, organized, audit-ready shop-floor environment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• 2+ years experience in manufacturing operations, production control, or material flow leadership
• Experience supporting assembly operations in aerospace, defense, or other regulated manufacturing
• Strong understanding of production scheduling, material flow, and shop-floor execution
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional problem solving in high-pressure environments
• ERP/MRP experience (Microsoft Dynamics AX, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, etc.)

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Lean / Six Sigma certification
• Experience with AS9100 environments and NPI/industrialization

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

• End-to-end systems thinking
• Strong floor presence and bias for action
• Excellent communication and escalation discipline
• Data-driven prioritization
• Comfort operating amid schedule volatility and changing priorities
• Forklift Certification Preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands, talk or hear. Ability to move and lift materials up to 40lbs, stand or walk for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced production environment. This may require squatting, crouching, and climbing stairs while moving parts across the campus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. PPE/ Safety glasses are required.