What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager - Interim position at Impact Makers?
Interim Plant Manager – Richmond Operations
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced Interim Plant Manager to take charge of stabilizing and enhancing plant operations in Richmond. This role calls for a hands-on leader with a proven ability to drive operational improvements, strengthen workforce capability, and elevate production performance.
The individual in this role will assume full ownership of plant operations, deliver rapid performance gains, and help establish a resilient, high-performing organization for the long term.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production Management
- Lead daily plant operations across safety, quality, manufacturing, logistics, and order fulfillment
- Optimize and stabilize production lines to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and consistency
- Detect and resolve bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste across processes
- Define and track KPIs, production benchmarks, and performance routines
- Drive continuous improvement efforts, including implementation of 5S principles
Workforce Capability & Training
- Evaluate workforce skills, qualifications, and coverage across shifts and production lines
- Design and implement structured cross-training initiatives
- Promote consistent adherence to safety, quality, and operational procedures
Leadership & Culture
- Maintain a strong, visible presence on the shop floor with a hands-on leadership approach
- Build a culture centered on accountability, safety, performance, and continuous improvement
- Mentor and develop supervisors and key personnel
Organizational Assessment & Restructuring
- Assess employee performance and leadership effectiveness across the organization
- Identify skill gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
- Collaborate with HR on organizational changes, including role adjustments and staffing decisions
Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrated experience in plant management or senior manufacturing leadership roles
- Proven success in turnaround, transformation, or stabilization environments
- Strong hands-on leadership style with credibility on the shop floor
- Experience in workforce evaluation, restructuring, and performance enhancement
- Ability to work independently and deliver results in a dynamic, complex setting
Success Criteria
Success will be evaluated based on:
- Measurable improvements in production performance and stability (target: 120k cubic feet/month)
- More robust and scalable production processes with reduced reliance on key individuals
- Enhanced workforce capability and a well-defined leadership structure
- Clear transition plan and seamless handover to permanent leadership
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Improvements in production output, reliability, and efficiency
- Reduction in bottlenecks, rework, and operational disruptions
- Increased workforce flexibility through cross-training
- Effective leadership presence and faster decision-making
- Long-term sustainability of operations beyond the interim period
Additional Information
- Immediate availability preferred
- Strong onsite presence required, including weekends when necessary