If you have optical production experience along with strong leadership skills and a process orientation, this position offers you some very compelling opportunities. You will:

• Make an impact in two key areas (and others) as you ensure we are set up for success as we continue strong, ongoing growth, including:
• • Driving discipline and process consistency to enhance quality and productivity.
  • Taking our proactive approach to fostering a positive environment to the next level; you'll find talented, well-trained employees who want to be here, giving you momentum to build on.
• Boost your career -- this could be a chance for a strong production supervisor to step up, and you'll be able to showcase your potential to grow and advance from this position. Quick question for you - click here
• Come on board at an exciting time -- our recent merger with Luxottica has made us the world's largest player in the eyewear industry and will create opportunities for strong performers.
• Become part of a company driven by a threefold mission: Improving lives by improving sight; Innovating for better vision; and Reaching the 2.7 billion underserved.

This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona, where we NEVER shovel snow. Relocation assistance is available.

Improving Lives By Improving Sight. Essilor of America, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of eyeglass lenses in the United States, employs more than 7,000 people and operates the largest and most comprehensive optical laboratory network in the U.S. Essilor of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Paris-based Essilor International. Essilor manufactures optical lenses under the Varilux®, Crizal®, Transitions®, and other brands, and our products are worn by one billion people daily. Essilor has been on Forbes' list of the World's 100 Most Innovative Companies every year since 2010 until 2018, when Forbes discontinued that list.

To meet the basic qualification for this role, you will have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship. In addition, to be a good fit for the Production Manager opportunity, you will have:

• 5+ years of supervisory experience in an optical lab environment.
• Knowledge of optical surfacing and edging. Quick question for you - click here
• Demonstrable leadership skills and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good mathematical/analytical skills.
• Excellent process orientation.
• Strong computer skills.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will provide leadership to two Supervisors and almost 60 employees. You'll be responsible for all operations and activities related to Surface, Finish, and Coating plus have a direct relationship with customers. Two key efforts will include ensuring process discipline and consistency, and working with our Trainer, as we grow, to ensure new hires are set up for success. 

Expert mentoring and strong support
You'll work with a strong General Manager who has deep industry experience and is driving growth. There also will be resources available to you in areas such as engineering. We'll provide training on our products and systems when you come onboard and can feel secure knowing there's always plenty of support when you need it.

The Meridian Optical difference
We work closely with eyecare professionals to help bring their patients the best vision possible. Meridian Optical is a full service lab that offers the industry’s most technologically advanced lenses including Essilor’s Varilux, Crizal and Transitions. We specialize in a full finished product and are experts in all drilled rimless frames and styles. We also have the latest edging technology to process complex high wrap frame styles to meet your high-level expectations.

Evolving business and products
EssilorLuxottica is constantly launching new business and products that keep us on the cutting edge of the industry. Additionally, we enjoy strong growth, both organic and growth through acquisitions. In a company that is constantly evolving, there's always plenty of room to build a long-term, progressive career.

Truly living our values
At Essilor, we believe everyone deserves to see life and all its detail with the best vision possible. That's why, in addition to designing, manufacturing and distributing quality vision care solutions worldwide, we invest in raising awareness of the importance of good vision, support eyecare professionals, invent new technologies and products, and support philanthropic initiatives. We also are committed to robust standards for environmental sustainability. These are just a couple of reasons we were one of the 52 companies named to Fortune magazine's 2019 Change the World list.

Excellent compensation
In addition to a competitive salary and bonus opportunity, we offer an exceptional mix of first-rate benefits, including medical, dental and vision plans; a 401(k) plan with company match; tuition reimbursement; comprehensive training through Essilor University; lens and frame benefits for you and your family; an employee stock purchase plan; unlimited vacation, and more.

More about the Role
In addition to the responsibilities described under The Role tab, specific responsibilities will fall into four key areas. In the area of operations, you will:

• Monitor workflow in the Surface, Coating, and Finish departments.
• Maintain a continual follow-up program to ensure adherence to procedures in all areas.
• Monitor quality of department incoming and outgoing work.
• Plan and schedule staffing requirements needed in order to meet specific quality standards and production objectives in all areas.
• Provide direction and support to shift supervisors and lab personnel to ensure a profitable, cohesive production operation.
• Analyze workflow, yields, manpower requirements, production restraints and quality issues. Identify problems and develop solutions to continually improve the operations.
• Provide routine troubleshooting techniques with all process equipment aimed at maintaining and improving process consistencies.
• Provide routine reports to management on process and production variances and action plan to continuously improve the process.
• Provide direct support to customer service.
• Implement Lean Six Sigma projects.

With regard to training, you will determine training requirements and ensure all training needs are met. In the area of safety, you will:

• Communicate safety rules and the need for protective equipment.
• Enforce Safety and Housekeeping policies at all times.

Regarding employee relations, you will:

• Initiate proper action against employees who fail to comply with policies and procedures.
• Apply positive human relations approach in managing the workforce.
• Prepare written performance evaluations and discuss progress with appropriate supervisors Provide direct support, feedback and training to first shift supervisors and group leads.
• Take an active interest in all employees and the job they are doing.
• Administer company policy and provide timely counseling as required.
• If necessary, discharge employees after review and final approval of Human Resources and Operations Manager.

We run two shifts, so you will need to be flexible in your schedule to interact with both as necessary. You'll also need to be willing to work weekends on occasion. The first shift runs from 7:30 AM to 4 PM, and the second shift from 4 PM to 12:30 AM. Quick question for you - click here

More about your success
Your technical knowledge will be essential, but just as important will be your leadership and interpersonal skills as you manage the team. We understand there will be a learning curve, but with your background you should be able to hit ground running and start contributing in short order. There is a lot going on, given our growth, so you'll need to be adept at managing multiple tasks and priorities. In addition, you'll need to be able to keep your team focused, with "eyes on the prize."

Those who excel in our fast-paced business truly enjoy the dynamic environment and remain agile and able to pivot. In addition, in order to be an outstanding Production Manager, you will:

• Help your Supervisors continue to develop so that they can help associates continue to do so.
• Commit to ongoing knowledge gain in order to support rapid growth.
• Combine analytical skills with creativity in solving problems.
• Pay attention to details while also grasping the big picture.
• Keep a constant eye out for ways to improve processes.