Production Manager (Labeling Solutions Sector)

Our client is a market leader in supplying high-quality labeling solutions across multiple market sectors across the Caribbean. Due to growth, they are seeking to add a professional to the Operations team based in Barbados.

Overview: Our client is a market leader in supplying high-quality labeling solutions across multiple market sectors across the Caribbean. Due to growth, they are seeking to add a professional to the Operations team based in Barbados.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer deadlines and internal capacity.
• Prioritize jobs based on delivery dates, complexity, and press/finishing availability.
• Coordinate with Sales, Customer Service, and Prepress to confirm artwork readiness and job specifications before release.
• Maintain accurate work-in-progress (WIP) reports and update stakeholders on production status.
• Oversee all production processes: printing, converting, inspection, and packing.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of presses and finishing lines.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, waste %, uptime, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
• Implement and enforce SOPs for press setup, color management, material handling, and traceability.
• Conduct regular quality checks to ensure labels meet customer and regulatory requirements (FDA, EU labeling laws, GFSI).
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for print defects, registration issues, or material nonconformance.
• Maintain ISO 9001/FSMS/GMP documentation and participate in customer audits.
• Supervise press operators, finishing operators, and warehouse staff (10–20+ employees).
• Schedule shifts, manage attendance, and ensure cross-training to maximize flexibility.
• Conduct performance reviews, coach staff, and implement skills development plans.
• Promote a safe, clean, and organized workplace following 5S and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Monitor material usage and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with procurement to optimize inventory and reduce lead times.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, improve workflow, and increase capacity.
• Lead Lean/Kaizen projects for setup time reduction, standardization, and productivity improvement.
• Schedule preventive maintenance and coordinate service with vendors.
• Keep records of equipment downtime, spare parts inventory, and maintenance logs.
• Participate in CAPEX planning for new presses, finishing lines, and automation investments.
• Provide daily/weekly production reports (output, scrap, downtime) to senior management.
• Participate in operations meetings and contribute to forecasting and capacity planning.
• Serve as the point of contact for escalations related to production delays or quality issues.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Printing Technology, Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in label/packaging production management (digital printing preferred).
• An Understanding of Digital press workflows.
• Experience of Color management (Pantone, ICC profiling, spectrophotometer usage) preferable but not essential.
• Strong leadership and people-management abilities.
• Proficient in MIS/ERP systems (LabelTraxx) and production scheduling tools.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Continuous Improvement methodology.