Production Manager
Associates International – Wilmington, DE
About Associates International
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Wilmington, DE, Associates International (Ai) is a growing print communications company specializing in commercial print, large format, direct mail, kitting & fulfillment, promotional products, and digital marketing.
We foster a positive, collaborative, and rewarding work environment where our employees are empowered to succeed and make a difference every day. Our culture is built around our core values:
- Growth Oriented – We embrace learning, innovation, and personal development.
- Continuous Improvement – We continually seek better ways to serve our customers and improve our processes.
- Accountability – We take ownership of our commitments and deliver results.
- Customer Centric – We place our customers at the center of every decision.
- All In – We work together with commitment, teamwork, and a positive attitude.
- Brand Excellence – We take pride in producing exceptional quality and representing our company with professionalism.
Position Summary
Associates International is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead our production operations and ensure the efficient execution of customer jobs from scheduling through shipment. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for coordinating daily production activities, maximizing workflow efficiency, maintaining equipment and inventory, and fostering a culture of teamwork, quality, and accountability.
The ideal candidate has experience in commercial printing or manufacturing, excels at leading teams, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where customer satisfaction and on-time delivery are top priorities.
Salary negotiable with experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement, and maintain the daily production schedule to maximize efficiency and meet customer deadlines.
- Manage and oversee all shop floor operations, ensuring productivity, quality, and safety standards are consistently achieved.
- Participate in daily production and L10 meetings to communicate priorities, address production challenges, and align the team on daily and weekly objectives.
- Coordinate with Customer Service, Sales, and Purchasing to ensure production schedules support customer commitments.
- Order paper, raw materials, and production supplies while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
- Manage inventory, monitor stock usage, and conduct regular inventory reviews to minimize waste and prevent shortages.
- Oversee preventative maintenance programs and coordinate equipment repairs to maximize uptime and production efficiency.
- Monitor production performance and identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the production process.
- Lead, coach, mentor, and develop production personnel while promoting accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Plan staffing and labor resources to meet production demands efficiently.
- Track and report key production metrics (scorecard) and support the company's EOS operating system by achieving departmental Rocks and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Enforce company safety policies and maintain a clean, organized production environment.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of production management experience in commercial printing, manufacturing, or a related production environment.
- Proven leadership experience supervising production teams.
- Strong scheduling, planning, and organizational skills.
- Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and production materials.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance planning and preventative maintenance programs.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and production management software. Experience with PrintIQ or similar MIS software is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Commercial print production experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with EOS®, Lean Manufacturing, or Continuous Improvement initiatives a plus.
- Knowledge of printing, bindery, mailing, and fulfillment operations.
Why Join Associates International?
At Associates International, you'll join a team that believes great people build great companies. We empower our employees to make decisions, improve processes, and contribute to the success of our customers and our organization. If you are a leader who is Growth Oriented, believes in Continuous Improvement, demonstrates Accountability, is Customer Centric, is All In, and strives for Brand Excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid holidays
- Life and disability insurance
Work Schedule
Day Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., with Saturday work as needed to meet production schedules and customer deadlines.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Associates International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and given the opportunity to succeed.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your production management experience and leadership accomplishments. We look forward to learning how you can contribute to the continued success of Associates International.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
