Production Manager

SOM A.Ş ( SOM CİVATA )

SOM Fasteners is one of Türkiye's leading manufacturers of automotive fastening solutions. With an export rate exceeding 40%, SOM Fasteners is a trusted supplier to leading global automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. The company operates in accordance with the IATF 16949 Quality Management System and holds the prestigious FORD Q1 Quality Award, as well as ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14064-1 certifications. Operating from its modern manufacturing facility located in Ankara ASO 2nd Organized Industrial Zone, SOM Fasteners exports its products to Europe, the USA, Canada, Mexico, and many other international markets.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Production Manager to oversee, lead, and optimize all manufacturing operations at our facility, which produces automotive fastening components including nuts, special bushings, spacers, and cold-formed special parts. This role is responsible for leading manufacturing operations based on cold forming technology, while ensuring strict adherence to Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), quality, productivity, and on-time delivery targets.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years of production experience in the automotive supply chain (preferably in fasteners or cold forming), including at least 10 years in a managerial position.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep expertise in multi-station cold forming technology, tooling design and maintenance, nut manufacturing processes, and production process optimization.
• Industry Standards: Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 management systems. Familiarity with VDA standards, Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC, MSA), and customer-specific requirements is considered an advantage.
• Lean Manufacturing: Proven experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing principles and managing operational KPIs (OEE, productivity, scrap reduction, zero-accident performance, etc.).
• Language Skills: Excellent command of spoken and written English (German is considered an advantage).
• Core Competencies: Strong leadership, analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, decision-making skills, and crisis management capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management: Lead daily, weekly, and monthly production activities to achieve HSE, quality, productivity, delivery, and OEE targets.
• Process Optimization: Supervise and continuously improve manufacturing operations based on cold forming technology, driving operational excellence, productivity, and quality performance.
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing tools such as Kaizen, 5S, SMED, root cause analysis, and waste elimination.
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop both blue-collar and white-collar production teams through performance management, coaching, training, and succession planning.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure full compliance with IATF 16949 requirements while continuously improving product quality and reducing scrap and customer complaints.
• Budget & Cost Management: Manage production budgets, monitor manufacturing costs, and lead cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives (VAVE).
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Planning departments to ensure smooth production flow and continuous operational excellence.
• Safety & Sustainability: Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE policies while supporting the company's sustainability objectives.