Production Manager - Retail Activations and Displays

The Retail Division of EWI Worldwide is hiring a Production Manager, Retail Brand Activations and Displays with experience managing large, complex programs. The preferred work location is our office in Milwaukee at 215 North Water Street, Suite 150, Milwaukee, WI 53202

We are currently working remote and expect to return to a hybrid work arrangement in the near future. 

PURPOSE:

Manage all aspects of production by examining engineering drawings and specs, reviewing prototypes for accuracy and finish, managing suppliers, assembly methods, packaging and shipping. Establish and maintain supplier production schedules and quality standards.

Production Management

• Review current suppliers for quality and their ability to maintain schedules.
• Research new suppliers and sources of materials and components, as needed.
• Setup and monitor project per approved Visual procedures.
• Setup and relay quality standards, tolerances and guidelines to suppliers.
• Review approved artwork for accuracy prior to releasing to suppliers (working with Design or AE/PM when client supplied)
• Setup supplier production schedules to meet client and EWI needs and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Approve supplier samples, pre-production materials and finished parts packaging materials and processes.
• Make pre-production unit if required, to be approved by sales, design and VP of manufacturing.
• Dispatch component parts to point of assembly and manage/maintain proper level of inventory.  Supervise production at suppliers to ensure delivery schedules are met and quality standards are maintained.
• Draft instruction sheets and work with Design for final layout.
• Create supplier purchase orders, approve supplier invoices or make corrections as needed.
• Issue final recap noting areas that needed special attention, had significant effects on the budget, cost efficient means of reproduction or required/suggested changes before doing a rerun. 
• Report project costs related to budget at project completion.
• Comply with all company rules and safety regulations.
• Review and monitor all processes and procedures to assure production commitments.
• Monitor and manage continuous improvement efforts.
• Suggests areas for process improvement along with potential solutions. 
• Effectively communicates relevant project information to all parties in a timely manner to avoid any delays in production.
• Protect EWI and client confidential and sensitive information.
• Ensure production information is complete, current, and stored appropriately. Leadership/Teamwork
• Take part in cross-functional teams to ensure best methods and processes are in place or to search and discuss possible improvements.
• Inspire cooperation and teamwork among all parties Supplier Management
• Manages communications and relationships between EWI and supply base.
• Prepares for internal and supplier meetings and progress reviews.
• Builds a knowledge base of suppliers ………
• Continually seeks opportunities to improve customer satisfaction.
• Review supplier quality performance, make recommendations for improvement or to discontinue current relationship if needed. Inventory/Warranty Management
• Monitor and manage EWI inventory levels.
• Manages and tracks third party inventory.
• Review, recommend, and resolve warranty related issues. 

Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience managing large, complex programs with a duration of 6 months or longer
• Ability to read blueprints and have some construction experience
• Self-motivated, dependable, diligent 
• Must be highly organized, customer focused, problem solver.
• Must have attention to detail and excellent communication skills
• Know how to use Microsoft Excel and have the ability to learn new technology.

EWI offers a competitive salary, paid time off, 401K Match, untracked paid time off, and a comprehensive benefit plan.