Job Details

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Production Manager to lead and inspire a dedicated team of up to 150 professionals—including fabricators, outfitters, and electricians—committed to manufacturing state-of-the-art combatant craft. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully managing large, diverse teams in a fast-paced, high-stakes manufacturing environment.

The Senior Production Manager will take ownership of all aspects of production operations, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role requires a blend of hands-on leadership, strategic oversight, and the ability to continuously empower and develop a team to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a high-performing team of up to 150 fabricators, outfitters, electricians, and support personnel. Foster a positive, collaborative, and results-driven culture. Empower individuals to take ownership of their work and provide continuous development opportunities.
• Production Oversight: Oversee the end-to-end production process, from raw material receipt to final assembly of complex combatant craft. Ensure adherence to quality standards, safety protocols, and timelines.
• Process Improvement & Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency. Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to enhance productivity while maintaining craftsmanship. Recognize the unique nature of a highly customized job shop.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Project Management, and Quality Assurance to ensure smooth communication, alignment, and technical issue resolution.
• Resource Management: Manage allocation of personnel, materials, and equipment to meet production targets. Oversee scheduling and inventory to prevent bottlenecks.
• Safety & Compliance: Promote a safety-first culture, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and regulations. Lead safety training, emergency preparedness, and compliance with OSHA standards.
• Reporting & Documentation: Provide regular performance reports to senior management, using data to inform decisions and improve operations.

Qualifications:

• 7-10+ years of experience in senior production, program, or project management roles, preferably in high-tech, manufacturing, or defense sectors.
• Proven leadership of large, multidisciplinary teams (up to 150 members).
• Experience managing complex projects with tight deadlines and high standards.
• Strong leadership, talent development, and morale-boosting skills.
• Technical knowledge of manufacturing processes, especially in complex systems fabrication and assembly.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with military standards and specifications is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders and presenting to leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred; substantial relevant experience may substitute.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Lean Six Sigma, PMP) are advantageous.

About Copper River & The Native Village of Eyak:

Owned by the Native Village of Eyak, a federally recognized Alaska Native Tribe, the Copper River Family of Companies provides diverse solutions supporting our clients' missions. As SBA 8(a) program participants since 2006, our companies aim to support the Tribe's economic development and cultural values.

The income from our companies funds health, social services, education, jobs, and training for the NVE community.

Copper River's Culture

Our culture emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. We are ONE TEAM working towards shared goals, valuing how we treat each other as much as the work we do.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Retirement 401(k) with employer match
• Paid holidays and open leave policy
• Additional benefits like tuition reimbursement and transportation allowances

Note: Benefits apply to full-time, regular employees.

Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is prohibited.