Plant Manager

Company Information:

General Converting was founded in 1982 and fosters a collaborative work environment where every member plays a vital role in exceeding customer and company expectations. We hire smart, creative and hard-working individuals that will contribute their time and talent to building partnerships with external and internal customers. We utilize the latest technology in all aspects of the business to deliver high-quality and cost-effective packaging solutions.

General Converting is committed to providing safe, high-quality food packaging solutions that meet or exceed our customers' expectations and regulatory requirements. We achieve this through our Food Safety and Quality Program. This program includes establishing measurable objectives for product safety and quality, along with employee training and development programs.

Role Summary: A Plant Manager in paper carton manufacturing (folding cartons, corrugated boxes, or packaging) is responsible for overseeing all daily plant operations to ensure safety, quality, and production efficiency, while maximizing profitability. This senior-level role bridges corporate strategy with shop-floor execution, managing production, maintenance, and personnel, often in a fast-paced "Just-in-Time" (JIT) environment.

Specialized Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the facility adheres to FDA Food Contact Substance regulations and maintains a Quality Management System (QMS) that meets ISO 13485 standards for medical packaging.
• Audit Readiness: Help lead the plant alongside the quality department through frequent thirdparty and customer audits for SQF (Safe Quality Food) or BRCGS Packaging Materials certifications.
• Hygiene & Sanitation: Enforce rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and hygiene protocols, including specialized uniforms, steel toed shoes, safety glasses and strict handwashing procedures.
• Contamination Control: Implement a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan to mitigate physical, chemical, and biological risks, such as pest control or chemical migration from inks and adhesives.
• Traceability Management: Maintain comprehensive records for raw materials (paperboard, coatings, inks) to ensure full batch traceability in the event of a product recall.
• CAPA Oversight: Manage the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system to investigate quality exceptions and prevent their recurrence.

Core Responsibilities

• Production & Operational Excellence: Manage daytoday manufacturing operations, including sheeting, printing, diecutting, and folding/gluing to meet or exceed daily production goals.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to OSHA, EPA, and internal safety policies, conducting safety audits and promoting a zeroincident culture.
• Quality Control: Maintain high product quality standards, ensuring cartons meet customer specifications and reducing waste, rework, and customer complaints (e.g., using Lean Six Sigma).
• Maintenance & Asset Management: Direct preventative and predictive maintenance programs for converting equipment and machinery to minimize downtime (target >98% uptime).
• Financial & Budget Control: Manage plant budgets, including labor, materials, and equipment, to hit cost targets and improve P&L performance.
• Personnel Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor staff, fostering a positive work environment and leading continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): Tracking availability, performance, and quality of machinery.
• Production Yield Rate/Waste Reduction: Minimizing substrate waste and carton defects.
• OnTime Delivery (OTD): Ensuring customer orders are shipped complete and on time.
• Safety Metrics: Recordable incident rates.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 510 years of production management experience, with significant time in paper converting, folding cartons, or corrugated manufacturing.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging) or Business Administration preferred.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of converting equipment (gluers, diecutters, corrugators) and ERP systems (e.g., Amtech, SAP, Encore).
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff.
• Certifications: Forklift and Clamp Truck Certification

Required Skills

• ProblemSolving: Proactive approach to resolving machine breakdowns, quality issues, or supply chain disruptions.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to analyze P&L statements, manage budgets, and make CAPEX recommendations.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for coordinating with corporate, customers, and staff.
• ActionOriented: Handson "walkthefloor" management style.
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-Time

• InOffice
• Monday through Saturday 24/6 production

Salary: $150k-195k

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• PTO
• Paid Leave
• 401k
• HSA
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid STD/LTD
• 10 Paid Holidays

About General Converting LLC

General Converting is your single-source partner for high-performance carton packaging. We combine precision manufacturing with agile service to keep your product moving. Our Culture A workplace grounded in respect and results We’re serious about quality—and just as serious about treating our people well. Our collaborative environment makes room for mentorship, advancement, and long-term careers. What you'll find at GCI: Supportive team culture Open communication Pride in craftsmanship Leadership that listens