Associate Production Manager

The Associate Production Manager is responsible for leading a defined production area within a complex manufacturing environment, with accountability for safety, quality, and operational performance. This role manages frontline supervisors and production teams to ensure consistent execution of production plans while maintaining adherence to established processes, standards, and performance targets.

The Associate Production Manager partners closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to drive operational stability, resolve performance issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This role plays a key part in developing team capability, strengthening operational discipline, and improving overall production effectiveness.

This position is assigned to the Conti Board Press, a continuous, high-speed manufacturing process responsible for forming and pressing wood-based materials into finished board. The role supports all aspects of press operations, including material forming, pressing, thickness control, temperature and pressure management, and downstream handling, ensuring consistent product quality and optimal equipment performance.

City: Lexington (US)   North Carolina    Contract Type: Full-time     Job-Code: 6733   Department: Production  

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB FUNCTIONS: (Job functions include but are not limited to the following)

• Embody EGGER Core Values.
• Lead production operations for the Conti Board Press to achieve safety, quality, throughput, and cost targets.
• Manage supervisors and production teams to ensure consistent execution of standard operating procedures.
• Oversee continuous press operations from Dry Silo outfeed, Glueing, Forming Line, Conti, Finishing End and Crane Storage.
• Monitor and adjust key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, speed, and thickness to ensure product quality and process stability.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to troubleshoot and resolve equipment, controls, and process-related issues.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for quality defects, downtime events, and process variability.
• Ensure safe operation of high-temperature, high-pressure, and automated equipment within the press line environment.
• Monitor production data and KPIs to identify trends and drive performance improvements.
• Support preventative and predictive maintenance efforts to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization and waste reduction.
• Develop team capability through coaching, training, and performance management of supervisors and operators.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with upstream and downstream operations to maintain production flow and minimize bottlenecks.
• Monitor attendance, performance, and behavioral issues through appropriate corrective action processes in partnership with HR.
• Conduct regular performance discussions and participate in annual performance appraisal and wage review processes.
• Monitor production schedules and resource allocation to ensure efficient workflow and minimal downtime.
• Other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE DEMANDS

• Office Standard: 8-hour M-F assignment; however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Standing and walking for extended periods of time up to 12 hours in a manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Working in office and industrial conditions including heat, noise, dust, and moving mechanical equipment.
• Reading computer screens, control systems, and production data.
• Use of various office and industrial tools or equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

BACKGROUND / EXPERIENCE

• 7–10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within a complex, continuous production environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing supervisors and frontline teams.
• Experience with automated manufacturing systems, continuous processes, or high-volume production environments preferred.

SKILLS, EDUCATION, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

• Four-year degree preferred or compensatory closely related work experience required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems.
• Working knowledge of process control concepts, automation systems, and industrial equipment.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective leadership, communication, and team development capabilities.

BENEFITS

Your Contact

Jessica Ostroska,  Talent Acquisition | EGGER North America   

+1 336 843 7152

EGGER, North America (including subsidiaries), is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship or immigration status (where legally protected), marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.