Plant Manager Electroplating Division

Location: Detroit, MI

Compensation: $115,000 $170,000 Total Compensation (Base Salary Bonus, commensurate with experience)

Industry: High-Volume Metal Finishing / Manufacturing

Lead One of the Midwests Premier Metal Finishing Operations

Are you a results-driven manufacturing leader who thrives on turning complex technical challenges into operational excellence? We are seeking a Plant Manager with full operational responsibility to oversee our Electroplating Division in Detroit.

In this hands-on leadership role, you will champion operations across production, quality, maintenance, lab operations, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement. You wont just manage the flooryou will build a high-accountability safety culture, mentor the next generation of leadership, and optimize processes for key customers across the automotive, heavy truck, industrial, and commercial markets.

If you are energized by dynamic, technical manufacturing environments, autonomy, and making a direct impact on profitability, this is your next career move.

What Youll Do (Key Responsibilities)

Operations & Team Leadership

• Direct all daily multi-shift plating operations, production scheduling, laboratory, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.

• Build a strong culture focused on safety, accountability, productivity, and employee retention.

• Establish clear daily performance expectations and mentor supervisors to independently manage day-to-day routines.

Manufacturing Excellence & Process Control

• Drive continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing practices to increase throughput, improve OEE, and reduce scrap/rework.

• Partner closely with Laboratory and Quality teams to maintain precise electroplating chemistry and process controls.

• Optimize equipment utilization and labor efficiency while minimizing overtime and material waste.

Financial & Environmental Management

• Manage plant operating budgets, chemical utilization, and work-in-process (WIP) inventory.

• Oversee environmental safety and compliance in partnership with OSHA, EPA, and local hazardous waste regulations.

• Support EBITDA growth through operational efficiency, reduced disposal costs, and waste reduction.

Customer Satisfaction & Quality Assurance

• Maintain world-class On-Time Delivery (OTD) and champion a root-cause/corrective-action approach to quality issues.

• Host customer visits/audits and serve as an operational leader when addressing customer requirements.

What Success Looks Like in Year 1

• Delivery Excellence: Achieve and maintain >98% On-Time Delivery.

• Quality Improvement: Reduce plating-related quality non-conformances by 20%.

• Cost & Efficiency: Cut chemical waste costs by 10% while increasing overall schedule attainment.

• Leadership Development: Implement daily measurable KPIs and mentor department supervisors into self-sufficient leaders.

What You Bring (Qualifications)

Required:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Engineering, Operations, Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on leadership experience).

• Leadership: 10 years of total manufacturing leadership experience, with 5 years managing a full facility or major production department (leading both salaried and hourly teams).

• Methodology: Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and driving measurable KPI improvements.

• Communication: Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills.

Preferred / Highly Desired:

• Hands-on background in electroplating, anodizing, heat treating, surface finishing, or chemical processing.

• Background in automotive manufacturing and familiarity with IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 standards.

• Working knowledge of SPC, FMEA, APQP, and Root Cause Analysis.

• Experience with environmental permitting, hazardous waste management, and ERP/MRP systems.

Why Join Us?

• Autonomy & Impact: Enjoy significant operational freedom backed by executive support to implement real, lasting improvements.

• Investment in Growth: We actively invest in our facility equipment, emerging technologies, and top talent.

• Competitive Package: Excellent base salary plus performance-based bonus potential, along with comprehensive benefits.

Ready to Lead?

If you are an experienced manufacturing executive ready to take the reins of a premier plating facility, apply today to start the conversation!

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