Manager, Manufacturing

FN America, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia with manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina, FN America is passionately committed to providing its customers with a portfolio of FN-branded products, training and support services that enhance user performance and safeguard their lives. For more information, visit us at or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Manager will drive safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, department planning and continuous improvement in the assigned department. In this role, the Manufacturing Manager will develop, lead, and implement initiatives and strategies to achieve established business goals (Key Performance Indicators). While maintaining safety first and quality as a close second, this role will be a change agent, empowering, inspirational, and a can-do problem-solver.

Job Duties

• Partners with planning to ensure production requirements are met and shipments are completed on time.
• Ensure the team follows standard work to assure the effectiveness of material flow and maximizes the deployment of staff to match the production plan.
• Ensures the value stream capital assets and employee resources meet and optimize safety, quality, delivery, and production requirements for internal and external customers.
• Utilizes lean techniques and guides the team in a continuous improvement mindset, value stream improvement, lead time reduction, and cost out by improving safety, quality, and production.
• Actively coaches direct reports in problem solving methodology and continuous improvement tools for sustainable processes.
• Provides capital investment justification in alignment with the manufacturing roadmap.
• Reviews material inventories, manages WIP and nonconformances to ensure all production requirements are met on time.
• Allocates value stream personnel to ensure fulfillment of production schedules in all departments at the lowest possible cost while maintaining quality and performance standards.
• Leads value stream operations concurrent with business growth, introduction of new systems and products, meeting KPIs, customer changes, and production mix change.
• Leads and assists in the coordination of effort between support departments within the organization.
• Models and reinforces the Group values of Leading Together through Dedication and Trust.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements

A bachelor's degree in engineering (preferably mechanical), manufacturing management/operations, or business required. MBA preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Seven years of experience in a manufacturing facility is required with five years of management experience in engineering and/or operations.
• Demonstrated performance improvement results in a machining environment with high mix and medium volume production.
• Three years of experience leading lean initiatives with teams focused on improving flow and productivity. Experience with standard lean and problem-solving tools (A3, KT, etc). Experience in a daily lean production system.

Skills and Competencies

All FN America employees are expected to demonstrate accountability, collaboration, communication, customer focus, and innovation. Additional skills required include:

• Metal cutting, precision machining and/or assembly background
• Customer-focused mindset
• Demonstrated execution and hands on experience in implementation of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Capability of using basic quality tools along with Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing techniques in the support of continuous improvement, root cause analysis and corrective/ preventative actions.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong business, managerial, ethical, and technical skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures; demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness, and ability to meet productivity standards.
• Reinforcement of safety and security procedures
• Adaptability to changes in the work environment.

Licenses/Certifications

Lean and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications are preferred.

Working Conditions

Typical office environment with some travel between buildings and to other locations required. Must be able to frequently lift/move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move/lift to 25 pounds without assistance.

All FN America employees have a responsibility to participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace and to comply with instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability.

FN America, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email HR@FNAmerica.com or call: 803-736-0522.

We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.