by Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
Recently I talked with Bill Murray, one of offsite construction’s most seasoned consultants with over 40 years of modular industry experience, about one of the key reasons some factories seem always to be one day away from bankruptcy. He said recruiting a good production manager is second only to hiring a good GM.
Bill Murray, Offsite Industry Consultant
PFS Corporation
Mariotti Building Products
Viking CarrierWith Bill’s vast experience in recognizing and evaluating production managers, not only in the US, but also Internationally, I asked him to explain what qualities he looks for in recommending the right person for a factory.
Modcoach: “Bill, selecting the right production manager for an offsite factory is a significant decision, right? It’s not just about filling a position; it’s about choosing a leader who can drive efficiency and success in manufacturing.”
Bill Murray: “Absolutely, this role touches every part of the production process. The person you choose really has to have a robust set of skills and experience.”
Modcoach: “What’s the first thing you look for?”
Bill: “Well, industry experience tops the list. We need someone who’s not only familiar with our specific manufacturing arena—whether that’s modular manufacturing, prefabrication, or assembly—but who also has a deep understanding of how to make those processes more efficient and of high quality.”
Modcoach: “Right, like having a sense not just of the nuts and bolts but how to streamline things without causing chaos on the production floor. Lean manufacturing principles, I assume?”
Bill: “Exactly, reducing waste and enhancing productivity without messing up the workflow. But it’s not all about technical skills. Leadership is equally crucial. We need someone who can not only manage but inspire and motivate a diverse team. I would stress that a production manager have a good understanding of line balance and that adhering to that is critical.“
Modcoach: “Sounds like a tall order. They need to be a bit of a peacemaker too, huh? What about when things don’t go as planned?”
Bill: “That’s where problem-solving abilities come into play. A top-notch production manager must identify issues quickly and think critically to solve them. And they should be innovative, ready to use both traditional methods and new tech to improve our processes. Great production managers are process-oriented. ”
Modcoach: “Innovation in manufacturing, that’s key. But they also need to be good communicators, right?”
Bill: “Absolutely. They need to articulate ideas clearly and coordinate across departments—engineering, quality control, supply chain—to ensure everything aligns with the company’s goals. And managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, controlling budgets… it’s a lot about being organized and having strong project management skills.”
Modcoach: “I can see that. Quality is non-negotiable, too.”
Bill: “Yes, they must focus intensely on quality and comply with all industry standards and safety regulations. Prevention causes quality to happen. A keen awareness of preventing non-quality is essential. And in a field like offsite construction that’s always evolving, adaptability is crucial. They’ve got to embrace new technologies and adjust to market shifts seamlessly.”
Modcoach: “Sounds like education and cultural fit are also important pieces?”
Bill: “Definitely. A solid background in manufacturing management helps, along with experience in areas like project management or lean manufacturing. And cultural fit—making sure their values align with ours—is vital for team cohesion and overall job satisfaction.”
Modcoach: “And how do you make sure you’ve got the right person?”
Bill: “When interviewing candidates, I use a mix of behavioral and situational questions to see how they handle real-world scenarios. Involving key team members in the interview process helps gauge how well the candidate might mesh with the factory’s team and culture.”
Modcoach: “It really is a multifaceted process. Getting the right person could mean the difference between just keeping things running and actually driving the team toward greater success in this competitive landscape.”
Bill: “Absolutely. It’s about finding that leader who not only keeps the production line efficient but also inspires every team member to achieve more.”
Contact Bill Murray at wam3rd@gmail.com for professional, experienced consulting.
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger, consultant, and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
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Gary Fleisher is a renowned blogger and commentator on construction and housing trends, known for his insightful analysis of the industry.
