About this position
Position Purpose:
The Production Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of Rival Lab’s pilot-scale manufacturing and field-installation activities for our proprietary panelized housing system (light-gauge steel framing, automated panel assembly, and integrated mechanicals).
This is a hands-on leadership role in the early stage of our growth: you will personally drive execution of the first 10–50 pilot homes in 2026 using rented/subcontracted production capacity, while building repeatable processes, safety systems, and quality controls that will scale with us. You will manage a small team (4–12 direct reports initially) and report directly to Lab leadership.
Core Value Expectations
- Actively pursue high character, high trust, and high performance personally, corporately, and in all aspects of the position
- Provide distinctive quality and unparalleled customer service both internally and externally
- Demonstrate and promote integrity, respect, and teamwork
- Invite others to help you grow through living authentically with nothing to prove, lose or hide
- Evidence humility by actively receiving teaching and mentoring
Primary Role Expectations:
- Production and Process leadership
o Own end-to-end execution of pilot production (10–50 homes in 2026): schedule, coordinate, and deliver on time and on budget.
o Manage production capacity (e.g., Scottsdale roll-forming, AUAR-style robotic systems) and field-installation crews.
o Build and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), BOM accuracy, cycle-time tracking, and quality checkpoints.
o Monitor key performance indicators: hard-cost variance, rework rate, defect rate, on-time completion, and safety incidents.
o Drive continuous improvement: identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and implement lean practices.
- Team & People Leadership
o Directly supervise and develop the initial operations team: Robotics Operator, Steel Machine Operator, Steel Assembler, Assembly Laborer, and install crew.
o Hire, onboard, train, and retain high-character talent; conduct regular performance reviews and coaching.
o Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork — lead by example on the floor.
o Ensure all team members follow safety protocols, wear required PPE, and maintain OSHA compliance.
- Quality, Safety & Compliance
o Implement and maintain quality assurance processes (visual inspections, dimensional checks, fastening verification).
o Lead safety program: conduct daily toolbox talks, incident investigations, and preventative maintenance.
o Coordinate with external partners (Scottsdale, AUAR vendors, material suppliers) to ensure smooth material flow and system uptime.
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement
o Provide daily/weekly production reports: output, costs, variances, issues, and wins.
o Collaborate with Lab leadership on pilot learnings to refine designs, processes, and licensee requirements.
o Prepare for future scaling: document processes that can be transferred to licensed manufacturers.
Qualifications:
- 7–12 years of progressive operations experience in manufacturing, prefab, modular, panelized construction, light-gauge steel framing, or related field.
- Proven track record leading production from pilot/prototype ? low-volume repeatable output (50–200 units/year).
- Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort with automated machinery (e.g., roll-formers, robotic arms, framing systems).
- Experience managing small teams (5–20 people) and coordinating field/installation work.
- Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain immediately).
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical training or associate’s degree preferred.
- Authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship available).
- Background in offsite construction, modular housing, truss/panel fabrication, or metal framing.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience with subcontracted production or vendor-managed capacity.
- Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA 10/30) and quality systems.
- Midwest/Southeast construction experience (local codes, labor market, weather realities).
Physical Requirements:
- Perform the position’s physical functions with extensive mobility and ease including walking, sitting, standing, bending, talking, hearing, seeing, and using hands to operate tools necessary for the job
- Indoor manufacturing environment with machinery noise, moving equipment, and dust.
- Ability to wear required PPE (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots, hard hat).
- Occasional outdoor field work for install oversight.