The Manufacturing Manager is responsible for all aspects of production for Systems Manufacturing at the Tucson SOPT location. This includes leading fabrication, electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and packaging operations to deliver high-quality engineered-to-order pump stations safely, on time, and to customer specifications. The Manufacturing Manager drives a strong focus on safety, quality, and delivery while also ensuring cost efficiency and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record of driving operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and consistently delivering results in complex, fast-paced environments.

• Lead, coach, and develop operations supervisors and production teams to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Oversee all areas of production: fabrication, electrical assembly, mechanical assembly, and packaging.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Partner with the Materials department to support warehouse operations and resolve material shortage issues through proactive planning and cross-functional collaboration.
• Manage daily production schedules, in-process inventory, and housekeeping standards.
• Forecast staffing requirements based on production plans; coordinate with HR and staffing partners to meet seasonal or project-based needs.
• Drive process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager and leadership team on plant-wide strategic initiatives while ensuring strong tactical execution of daily operations.
• Conduct performance reviews, training, and career development for production staff.
• Support maintenance activities to ensure equipment uptime and production reliability.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in engineered-to-order or complex assembly environments.
• Demonstrated history of increasing responsibilities with a proven track record of achieving excellent results.
• Strong expertise in production planning, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to drive results across safety, quality, and delivery.
• Proven experience developing talent and building strong teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing.
• Experience with leading a safety program
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements and industry best practices
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt / Black Belt
• Certified Lean Practitioner
• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
• Previous experience as an Operations Manager or in a similar leadership role.
• Fluent in Spanish

 Rain Bird is an equal opportunity employer