USA-Plant Manager

Who We Are

Builder’s Best is a manufacturer of residential and commercial venting solutions, with 35 years, 15 patents, 1000 SKUs, 6 models of semi rigid aluminum duct, 7 models of metal hoods, specialty elbows, close clearance periscopes and 2 facilities later (that is not a complete list) Builder’s Best supplies national companies with a wide range of venting products. It is our mission to provide quality venting materials at reasonable prices built here in the USA.

Our headquarters is in Jacksonville, Texas. We are centrally located in the rolling hills of east Texas, not far from Interstate 20, two hours east of Dallas and four hours north of Houston. We also maintain a manufacturing and distribution plant in Plant City, Florida.

As of 2024, Builder’s Best is part of the larger Duravent Group. The Duravent Group is a recognized global technology leader in the HVAC industry, first-to-market with innovations in venting systems. Founded in 1956, our $500 million company is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, and has 15 locations across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Duravent leads with best-in-class design and manufacturing capabilities, world-class distribution networks, and customer-first service and support. We ensure quality and drive safety through scientifically proven materials and unequaled engineering.

As a combined company, Duravent is uniquely positioned as the next generation leader in interior climate technology industry. Our team of passionate professionals needs you! Come join us and help us build for the future!

This Role:

Our Operations Leadership Team is seeking a Plant Manager.  This would be a full-time, on-site role located in Jacksonville, TX reporting to our Director of Operations.

What You Will Do:

The Plant Manager will lead all functions of the HVAC manufacturing plant, including Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Internal Logistics, and EHS. This role is responsible for driving operational performance, supporting product and equipment development, and leading site-level transformation projects. The Plant Manager must be technically competent, strategically driven, and capable of building a high-performance culture aligned with long-term business goals.

How You Will Do Them:

• Operation management:
  1. Oversee all day-to-day operations of the HVAC manufacturing plant.
  2. Own daily execution of safety, quality, delivery, and cost KPIs.
  3. Ensure adherence to production plans and customer delivery schedules.
  4. Monitor production processes and ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.
  5. Maintain strong shop floor control systems, visual management, and layered audits.

• Leadership and Staff Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of manufacturing professionals.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement training programs to enhance skills.
• Foster a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork, communication, and employee engagement.

• Quality Assurance

• Implement and oversee quality control procedures to maintain high product standards.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
• Address and resolve any production issues or quality concerns promptly.

• Financial management

• Develop and manage the plant’s budget, ensuring cost control and financial performance.
• Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement efficiency improvements.
• Prepare financial reports and provide insights to senior management on plant performance.

• Manufacturing Engineering:

• Lead the Manufacturing Engineering function (process, layout, time standards, line design).
• Drive automation, traceability, and process capability improvements.
• Ensure effective implementation of new equipment and process technologies.

• Support for Product & Equipment Development:

• Collaborate with R&D, Product Design, and Corporate Engineering to ensure manufacturability.
• Manage plant readiness for product launches, prototype builds, and pilot runs.
• Oversee commissioning and validation of new equipment.

• Project Management:

• Lead cross-functional CAPEX projects (equipment installation, layout redesign, infrastructure upgrades).
• Utilize structured project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, risk registers, PMO discipline).
• Track and report project status to leadership, ensuring scope, cost, and timeline adherence.

• Process Improvement:

• Embed lean manufacturing principles (5S, SMED, VSM, root cause analysis).
• Identify areas for process improvements and implement lean manufacturing principles.
• Utilize data analysis to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead initiatives to enhance production efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity.

• Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure the plant operates in compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols to create a safe working environment for all employees.
• Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, addressing any potential hazards.

• Equipment and Facility Maintenance:

• Oversee the maintenance and repair of all manufacturing equipment and facilities.
• Develop maintenance schedules to prevent equipment downtime and extend machinery lifespan.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to troubleshoot and resolve any equipment issues.

• Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the plant.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and market demands.
• Evaluate and propose new equipment, technologies, or processes to enhance plant capabilities

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of plant leadership experience in a complex manufacturing environment (preferably HVAC, automotive, or industrial equipment).
• Direct experience managing Manufacturing Engineering and/or new product industrialization.
• Proven success leading transformation, operational turnarounds, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC products and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in production planning, quality control, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with manufacturing software and tools (e.g., ERP systems).