Plant Manager

American Welding and Gas, Inc. ("AWG") has an immediate opportunity for a Plant Manager in Lexington, KY.   This position will be responsible for overseeing the production, safety, efficiency, and profitability of the industrial gases operations. In addition to leading direct reports, the incumbent will assist the Regional Operations Manager with managing plant assets, maintaining expense control, and ensuring effective workforce planning and operational performance.

Key Responsibilities: 

Manage Day-to-Day Operations:  

• Production planning, routing, quality compliance, and facility upkeep to ensure efficient operations and reliable service. 
  Ensure plant operations support maximum profitability while maintaining the highest levels of safety, quality, and operational efficiency. 
  Coordinate plant workflow, equipment utilization, and operational activities to support production and delivery schedules. 

Team Management & Development:  

• Hire, orient, train, supervise, evaluate, motivate, communicate with, lead, and coach plant employees and supervisors in accordance with company policies and procedures. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement through coaching, employee development, and performance management. 
• Plan, direct, and schedule employee work activities to optimize labor utilization and align staffing with operational demands.

Customer Service & Communication:  

• Maintain strong working relationships with branch managers, sales managers, drivers, and customer service teams to support operational alignment and customer satisfaction. 
• Ensure plant operations support customer service expectations through reliable production, delivery coordination, and communication. ·

Focus on Process Improvement: 

• Identify and implement operational improvements that enhance plant productivity, efficiency, and overall performance. 
• Lead initiatives that reduce waste, improve workflow efficiency, and support continuous improvement within plant operations.

Inventory Control & Cash Flow Management:

•  Maintain inventory control and direct the taking of inventory to ensure accuracy and optimize cash flow for the organization. 
• ·Monitor inventory levels, asset utilization, and material usage to support operational efficiency. 

Ensure Regulatory Compliance: 

• Develop and maintain a strong safety culture within the plant following company safety guidelines and expectations. 
• Enforce compliance with all State and Federal regulations including DOT, OSHA, FDA, and company policies and procedures. 
• Promote proactive hazard identification, incident prevention, and adherence to all safety and operational standards.
  

Monitor Expenses & Budgeting: 

• Monitor operational expenses and ensure the facility operates within approved budget guidelines. 
•  Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and cost management while supporting profitability objectives. 
  

Maintain Communication: 

• Maintain regular communication with the Regional Operations Manager regarding plant performance, operational challenges, asset management, and expense control. 
• Provide operational updates and collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment with company objectives. 

Additional Duties: 

• Perform other tasks assigned to support the overall goals of the organization. 

 Qualifications & Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience 

• 5 plus years of increasing leadership/supervisory experience 

• Industrial/Specialty gases production experience preferred 

• Proven ability to work effectively under deadlines with little supervision 

• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills 

• Conflict resolution 

• Knowledge of inventory management 

• Goal oriented and self-motivated 

• Computer skills 

Incentives:  

• Competitive Pay. 

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits. 

• Company-provided Short-Term & Long-Term Disability. 

• Company-provided Life Insurance. 

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match. 

• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off. 

• AWG’s renowned company culture, known for fostering a family-like atmosphere and offering ongoing growth opportunities, leading to an industry-low turnover rate. 

AWG is expanding and seeking exceptional talent to drive our progress forward. Be part of a growing, employee-owned company with a strong national footprint. Don't miss out on a promising future -Join our team today! 

American Welding & Gas (AWG) is a manufacturer and distributor of industrial gases as well as a provider of all your welding supply needs. We are a family and teammate owned company that is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our company provides industrial, medical and specialty gases as well as food and beverage gases across the United States, from Montana to Pennsylvania and down through Texas and Florida. With a team of over 800 employees, over 100 retail locations and 22 fill plants we pride ourselves in our customer service, expertise, assets and resources that allow us to reach a large and diversified customer base of the highest quality. 

American Welding & Gas, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.