Plant Manager

We are seeking an experienced, results-driven Manufacturing Plant Manager to lead daily plant operations, drive continuous improvement, and develop a high-performing manufacturing team. This individual will be responsible for production, quality, safety, maintenance, scheduling, and operational performance while ensuring the facility meets customer expectations and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who combines strong operational management skills with financial accountability, employee development, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations & Production

• Oversee daily plant operations to achieve production, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute production schedules based on customer demand, capacity, labor availability, and material requirements.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including productivity, scrap, downtime, OEE, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency.
• Identify operational constraints and implement corrective actions to improve throughput and manufacturing performance.
• Ensure effective coordination among production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams.
  
  

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, team leaders, and manufacturing personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability throughout the organization.
• Build a culture focused on safety, teamwork, communication, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor and engage directly with employees to resolve issues.
  
  

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, root-cause analysis, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Reduce waste, scrap, rework, and unplanned downtime while improving production efficiency.
• Standardize processes, establish standard operating procedures, and improve workflow.
• Use production data and KPIs to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and measure results.
• Lead initiatives that improve capacity utilization, labor productivity, and overall plant performance.
  
  

Quality & Customer Satisfaction

• Ensure products meet customer specifications and established quality standards.
• Partner with quality personnel to investigate defects, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.
• Strengthen process controls, documentation, and inspection procedures.
• Collaborate with customer-facing teams to address quality concerns and delivery issues.
  
  

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Promote a proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and company policies.
• Conduct regular safety reviews, workplace inspections, and corrective action follow-up.
• Ensure employees receive appropriate safety training and follow established procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.
  
  

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage plant operating expenses, labor costs, inventory, and resource utilization.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, capital expenditure planning, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Evaluate manufacturing performance against financial and operational targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce conversion costs, and increase profitability.
• Provide regular performance reports and operational updates to senior leadership.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more years of manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for production operations.
• Demonstrated success managing teams in a plant or industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, labor management, and operational KPIs.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root-cause problem-solving.
• Experience with quality management systems, process controls, and safety compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, production reporting, and Microsoft Office applications.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing a manufacturing facility with multiple production departments or shifts.
• Proven results improving throughput, reducing scrap, controlling costs, and improving on-time delivery.
• Experience with capital equipment, preventive maintenance, and capacity planning.
• Familiarity with ISO-based quality management systems.
• Experience developing supervisors and building a culture of accountability.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on, day-to-day operational leadership.
  
  

Measures of Success

The successful Plant Manager will be expected to deliver measurable improvements in:

• Production output and throughput.
• On-time delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Labor productivity and manufacturing costs.
• Scrap, rework, and overall product quality.
• Equipment uptime and maintenance effectiveness.
• Employee retention, engagement, and leadership development.
• Workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Overall plant profitability and operational efficiency.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits will be based on experience and qualifications. The overall package may include:

• Base salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus or incentive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with potential company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
  
  

email - scott.slater@gogpac.com

Call - 515-461-1578

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.