Production Manager

Description

Whisker, formerly known as AutoPets, is the maker of Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com. At Whisker, we believe pet parenthood can always get better.

As leading innovators in pet tech and refined pet accessories, we work tirelessly to solve problems and deliver smarter insights for pet parents while enriching the lives of pets. Whether it’s a self-cleaning litter box that automates scooping, an automatic feeder that helps pets develop healthier eating habits, or a modern cat tree that delights both humans and felines, we strive to deliver better solutions for consumers while transforming pet care along the way. To us, having a pet is the best thing ever. At Whisker, life together just keeps getting better.

Whisker is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan and Juneau, Wisconsin with 350 passionate team members.

Summary:

The Production Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of our Assembly, Sub-Assembly and Recon & Repair operations and will oversee a team of supervisors and facilitators who lead our direct and indirect labor teams. This critical leader will collaborate with the Supply Chain, Planning, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Warehouse, and Distribution teams to meet all daily requirements and with senior leadership to make Whisker the employer of choice in our region.

What You'll Bring:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Demonstrates through words and actions a commitment to Whisker’s culture and core values (empowered, tenacious, anticipatory, inventive, and understanding)
• Together with senior leadership, develops and implements short and long-term departmental vision, strategies, and objectives
• Effectively communicates with all levels of the organization
• Directly and through supervisors, manages the activities of team members working on multiple shifts in order to achieve daily departmental goals
• Collaborates with engineers, associates, and other stakeholders to develop processes that improve efficiency without compromising safety or quality
• Ensures that all robots are assembled in a manner that expresses pride in our products and facilities
• Builds a strong, talented team through active participation in employee selection, training, coaching, and development activities
• Develops, tracks, and reports on key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Leads or participates in initiatives that improve safety and employee engagement
• Performs additional responsibilities when required

Leadership Responsibilities:

Directly and through supervisors, manage the activities of departments and team members working on multiple shifts.  Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Whisker policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and hiring associates, planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance, addressing issues through coaching and discipline, and upholding safety and quality guidelines. 

What You'll Do:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience initiating, leading, and/or facilitating 5S, Gemba, Kaizen, Kanban, and other Lean initiatives
• Commitment through words and actions to promote a safe work environment
• Experience managing change within an organization, driving for continual improvement in a variety of manners that impact culture, safety, quality, productivity, etc.
• Knowledge of computerized tools such as MS Office, Google Suite, and ERP systems
• Ability to hold others accountable to standards and expectations
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing and distribution environment
• Discipline to maintain confidentiality of business, proprietary, and personal information
• Ability to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• Demonstrate a high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with team members and colleagues

Not Required but Nice to Have!

• Experience working with SAP (ERP system)
• Experience working in a direct-to-customer ecommerce environment
• A passion for improving the lives of pets and pet parents

Benefits & Purrks:

Join a tenacious, inventive company that empowers team members to chart their own path, lead by grounding decisions in the “why”, and has a strong sense of empathy and openness to new perspectives. Be a part of exciting growth, work with incredible people, and create tomorrow’s pet products—plus a whole lot of extras. You will also be provided with:

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K with 4% Match
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Top of the line equipment

Statement of Inclusivity:

We believe different perspectives make Whisker better and strive to create a place where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.