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Assistant Production Manager

Trexon, Providence, RI, United States


Position Summary
The Assistant Production Manager is a highly hands‑on leadership role responsible for driving daily execution on the production floor. This is not a desk‑based or strategic position; it exists to ensure work flows, problems are solved in real time, and production commitments are met.

This individual reports to the Production Manager and serves as the primary driver of day‑to‑day floor execution, leading coordinators, supervisors, and cell leads while maintaining a constant presence on the floor.

Key Responsibilities

Be physically present on the production floor throughout the day, driving execution and maintaining flow

Lead, coach, and hold accountable Lead Production Coordinators, Supervisors, and Cell Leads

Identify and remove production blockers in real time (materials, tooling, labor, documentation)

Partner closely with the Planning team to align priorities, adjust to changes, and ensure the floor is working the right jobs at the right time

Lead the daily Gemba walk, driving accountability across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Inventory, and Productivity (SQDIP)

Capture issues during Gemba and ensure rapid follow‑up and closure

Act as the first line of escalation for production issues

Coordinate with Planning, Materials, Quality, and Engineering to resolve issues quickly

Ensure jobs are progressing according to schedule and priority

Monitor WIP and actively manage flow across all stages of production

Balance labor across work cells based on demand and constraints

Reinforce standard work and ensure operators are following defined processes

Support and reinforce visual management systems and daily production meetings

Drive adherence to Lean manufacturing principles, including 6S and continuous improvement

Qualifications

Minimum 5+ years of hands‑on experience in electronic assembly, preferably cable and harness assembly

Prior experience in a manufacturing environment (required)

Prior experience leading or supervising production teams

Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Gemba practices, and 6S principles

Proven ability to work cross‑functionally with Planning/scheduling teams

Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot production issues and drive resolution quickly

Experience working directly on the shop floor (not just office‑based roles)

Ability to read and understand work instructions, drawings, and build documentation

Strong communication and leadership skills across production, engineering, materials, and planning

What This Role Is

A hands‑on floor leader with real ownership of execution

The driver of daily production flow and accountability

The leader of Gemba discipline and follow‑through

The bridge between Planning and the production floor

The right hand to the Production Manager

What This Role Is Not

Not a desk job

Not a purely administrative or reporting role

Not a long‑term strategic or planning‑focused position

Success in This Role Looks Like

Gemba walks are structured, consistent, and lead to real issue resolution

Planning and production are aligned with minimal priority conflicts

Supervisors and coordinators are aligned, accountable, and proactive

Production moves without constant escalation

Problems are identified early and closed quickly

The floor is organized, flowing, and predictable

Daily output improves through better coordination and fewer delays

About 603 Manufacturing
Located in Hudson, NH, 603 Manufacturing, a Trexon company, opened for business in 1998. We are an awarded manufacturer of cable assemblies and electro‑mechanical assemblies. 603 Manufacturing is truly a diversified contract manufacturer, servicing the Defense, Aerospace, Industrial, Medical & Commercial industries. We offer a comprehensive benefit package including a 9/80 work schedule.

603 Manufacturing is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 603 Manufacturing is an E‑Verify Participant. Pre‑employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.

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