Production Manager
Date: Apr 20, 2026
Location: Kansas City, MO, US
Company: Tenneco
At Tenneco, we don’t follow industry standards; we set them, and we don’t settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it’s our Core Values – radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win – or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we’re determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.
With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we’re all about getting stuff done, so we can win.
How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It’s what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.
Here, you’ll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you’re ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you’ll thrive here.
Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way
JOB SUMMARY: The Production Manager leads manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and engagement objectives. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through strong leadership, disciplined execution of standard work, and accountability to key performance indicators (KPIs).
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Lead daily production operations to ensure safe, efficient, and on-time execution of production plans.
- Drive performance against KPIs including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Productivity, and Engagement.
- Ensure customer requirements are consistently met for output, quality, and delivery.
- Manage and control operational costs including scrap, overtime, and MRO.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards and procedures.
- Drive execution of TPM, Standard Work, and 5S to maintain operational discipline.
- Lead structured problem-solving (8D, A3, DMAIC) to resolve internal and customer issues.
- Ensure timely completion of corrective actions from audits, Gemba walks, and quality findings.
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and production teams.
- Ensure training plans and skill matrices support operational requirements.
- Drive accountability through leader standard work and daily management routines.
- Foster a high-performance, accountable team environment.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
- 5+ years of experience leading production teams and managing KPIs preferred.
- Strong background in automotive manufacturing environments preferred
REQUIREMENTS/CERTIFICATIONS:
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, quality systems, TPM, and Lean principles.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Excel preferred).
- Ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment including standing, walking, and accessing equipment for extended periods
- Ability to work around industrial equipment safely
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in varying physical positions (bend, reach, climb) frequently
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to variations of noise, dust, temperature, and industrial equipment
- Required use of PPE (safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, hearing protection)
- Combination of office-based work and hands-on shop floor support
Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and position may include additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be required
Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities
Nearest Major Market: Kansas City