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Production Unit Manager

Sandvik · Hartland, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You'd manage CNC machining, grinding, shipping, receiving, quality, planning, maintenance and inventory. Tell me about the widest set of functions you've run.

What they are checking: Whether they have managed a full plant scope, not just one department.

Tell me about a time you had to discipline or let go of an employee. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they handle hard people decisions fairly and in line with policy and HR.

How do you give feedback to your direct reports?

What they are checking: Whether they give timely, constructive feedback, which the posting names as a key duty.

Tell me about a work procedure you changed to meet a schedule. What happened?

What they are checking: Whether they can adjust procedures to meet demand without hurting quality or safety.

What would you do

A key customer order is falling behind because a CNC grinder is down. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can reschedule, use other machines and keep the customer informed while maintenance works.

How do you work with HR to hire skilled machinists in a tight labor market?

What they are checking: Whether they can find and keep skilled workers, which is hard in Wisconsin manufacturing.

About the work

How do you build a machining schedule from work orders and estimate labor hours?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan capacity accurately, which the posting lists as a core duty.

How do you decide how many people you need on each shift?

What they are checking: Whether they plan workforce needs based on demand, which the posting says they will determine.

How do you find and fix the cause of a recurring quality problem on the floor?

What they are checking: Whether they use root cause methods and corrective action rather than just reworking parts.

What metrics do you watch daily to know whether the plant is on track?

What they are checking: Whether they track things like on-time delivery, scrap and machine uptime to manage the plant.

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The full job description

As published by Sandvik.

Job Title: Production Unit Manager Department: Operations Reports to: Managing Director Classification: Exempt Location: Hartland, WI Travel: As Needed Job Summary: The Production Unit Manager will be responsible for managing all principal functions of the manufacturing operations to include CNC Machining, CNC Grinding, Shipping, Receiving, Quality, Planning, Scheduling, Maintenance, and Inventory . The Production Unit Manager will determine workforce requirements, monitor production to ensure customer requirements are met, troubleshoot production problems and take preventive or corrective action. Supervisory Responsibilities: • Oversee all plant and production workflow . • Provide constructive and timely performance feedback to direct reports. • Partners with HR to recruit, interview, train, and hire direct reports. • Handles discipline and termination of direct reports in accordance with company policy. Duties/Responsibilities: • Analyzes work orders to estimate employee hours and create machining schedules to meet internal and external needs. • Interprets specifications, blueprints, work orders, and assigns duties. • Directs workers in adjusting machines and equipment to repair tools which fail to meet standards. • Establishes and adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules. • Develops, recommends, and implements measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and tool quality. • Suggests changes in working conditions and equipment use to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crew. • Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists workers in solving work problems. • Provides leadership to manufacturing personnel to enhance high performance work teams and promote a positive employee relations climate. • Interprets and enforces government and company policies and safety regulations . • Confers with other supervisors to coordinate activities of individual departments. • Report weekly on top objectives and company performance. • Daily communication with the sales team and customers . • Other duties as assigned. Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree is preferred but not required . • Minimum of 5 years’ supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment; metal manufacturing preferred. • Minimum of 8 years’ manufacturing experience Required Skills/Abilities: • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Thorough knowledge of all manufacturing methods, techniques, and related equipment. • Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications. • Strong knowledge of process management and improvement experience in a manufacturing setting. • Strong knowledge of production and scheduling operations. • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and adapt to changing situations. • Strong leadership skills with excellent written and verbal communication. Physical Requirements: • Prolonged periods of standing with some lifting, bending, and twisting. • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. • Ability to stoop, bend or kneel when required . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

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