Production Manager (VSM)
Location NJ, West Caldwell
Department Operations
Employment Type Full Time
Crane Aerospace and Electronics has an exciting opportunity fora Production Manage r (VSM) to join our Modular Power team at our West Caldwell, NJ location.
About Crane:
Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense markets. You’ll find Crane Aerospace & Electronics in some of the toughest environments: from engines to landing gear; from satellites to medical implants and from missiles to unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Every time you use phone navigation, make a bank transaction or have food delivered to your home, Crane Aerospace & Electronics Microwave product is hard at work. Located in the tight-knit, family-first West Caldwell, NJ., community, our West Caldwell facility supplies industry-leading microwave components and systems for use in space, defense and commercial applications, including GPS III satellites. With more than 60 years of expertise, our Microwave group has proven capabilities in major military, communications, electronic warfare, radar and satellite systems. Start the next chapter of your career with Crane Aerospace & Electronics!
Job Summary:
The Production Manager ensures customer satisfaction by leading a cross functional team to execute the Annual Operating Plan for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and Growth of the business and associates. The VSM is accountable for the long-term financial performance of the Value Stream by ensuring alignment to business needs and growth, establishing future state strategic vision, and developing and executing continuous improvement roadmaps.
Essential Functions:
Work on special projects and lead Ops team in Continuous Improvement efforts; Fill-in for the site leader as needed
Mentor others in the organization in Crane Business Systems and processes
Inspire others to take ownership of business needs, reach their full potential, and become leaders
Work closely with other functions of the business such as Order Management, Supply Chain, Scheduling, Manufacturing and Design Engineering, Quality, Finance, Program Management, and Business Unit leaders; Provide guidance and direction for the individuals from these functions assigned to support the value stream
Drive accountability for daily performance reporting and problem solving of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety/quality/delivery/cost/growth (plan, do, check, and act)
Champion kaizen events with focus on continuous improvement and productivity initiatives; Support lean initiatives by leading/facilitating kaizen events
Develop associates to reach their maximum potential and build a highly skilled, highly regarded and highly motivated customer focused team
Participate in budget preparation and long-range capital planning
Own, develop, and drive the continuous improvement roadmap and implementation plan to achieve operational objectives and future state vision
Summarize results and prepare presentations for executive and customer review
Practice safe work habits as established by OSHA and Crane policy
Support Crane Business System (CBS) initiatives including 5S, KPIs, Standard Work, Problem Solving, and other initiatives as they arise
Major accountabilities include, but are not limited to: associate safety, product quality, on-time delivery, financial results (operational costs), and growth planning
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience:
Five (5) or more years of experience directly supporting operations either in Production Control, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Management or Supervision
Three (3) or more years of Value Stream management experience, preferably in Electrical or Test Engineering or Test Asset Management
Mentoring associates for personal and career growth
Knowledge:
Production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods
Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources
Skills/Abilities:
Demonstrated leadership capability in team building, associate motivation, and implementing organizational vision through strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to deliver focused and collaborate results with superb decision making abilities
Strong critical thinking and complex problem solving ability with a bias toward sense of urgency
Champion in lean manufacturing and problem solving
Education/Certification:Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering or related field
Eligibility Requirement: This position requires access to controlled data or information and therefore only US persons will be considered. As a US Department of Defense contractor, we are bound by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants selected could be subject to a Government security investigation and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Working Conditions:
Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment
Manufacturing operations may require the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: eye safety glasses, gowning, masks, hearing protectors, heel/wrist straps and any other required PPE
May be exposed to unusual environmental conditions such as loud noises, cold temperatures, confined spaces, dust or fumes
May require up to 5% travel time
Standing: 20% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Sitting: 80% *percentage is approximate and may vary depending on work task
Lifting (in pounds): up to 25 pounds
Pushing (in pounds): up to 75 pounds
Mental/Visual: use of computer
Workspace: cubicle/desk
Top Benefits:
As a team member at Crane Aerospace and Electronics, you’ll enjoy:
Benefits: Health care, dental or life insurance starting the first day of the month
Time Off: 15 days of paid time off that start accruing your first day at Crane and 12 paid holidays per year.
401k Retirement Plan: 401k plan with company match
Education Reimbursement: eligible after 90 days of employment
You can see a list of our benefits at or visit our website at for more information on our company and great opportunities.
We are committed to operational excellence and world class processes. We employ Lean manufacturing techniques to optimize manufacturing efficiency and accuracy on all product lines. Our products are known for their technical strength, proven reliability and overall value.
In our efforts to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace, Crane Aerospace & Electronics requires that candidates complete a satisfactory background check. FAA sensitive positions require employees to participate in a random drug test pool.
This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work being performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Crane Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.