Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Position type:  Full-Time, Salaried
Pay range: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00
Location: North Grafton, MA

Washington Mills is one of the largest producers of high-quality abrasive and fused mineral products in the world. It has facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe and serves a global customer base. Its principal business is the fusing of oxide and carbide minerals in electric arc and Acheson furnaces, as well as the grinding and classifying of the minerals into grains and powders.  Established in 1868, Washington Mills continues a long history of excellence in supplying raw materials to the abrasive, refractory, ceramic, and industrial abrasive markets.

The Plant Manager is responsible for managing all facets of the manufacturing operation in North Grafton, MA to meet and improve key operational measures such as safety, productivity and service, while meeting and exceeding the plant’s financial targets.  This position directs all crushing, grading and maintenance activities for abrasive grain production at the site to produce a quality product within budget guidelines and customer requirements.  This position reports to the VP of Operations.  In addition, this position:

1. Ensures all operations are performed in compliance with all safety, health and environmental regulations
2. Interacts with all departments within the company to set, lead and hit strategic and functional targets
3. Works closely with customers, customer service and quality personnel to identify issues and coordinate the implementation of solutions
4. Is responsible for planning production schedules based on marketing forecasts and inventory levels and monitoring the plant’s performance vs. forecast
5. Establishes and controls manufacturing and production costs as a key responsibility
6. Is responsible for safety and housekeeping in all manufacturing and maintenance areas and for ensuring corrective action is taken on safety problems and complaints
7. Leads maintenance staff to understand downtime issues and proactively manages production systems and machinery.  Leads shipping team to hit OTD and accuracy targets.
8. Identifies problem areas and deploys projects to reduce losses and improve functional areas using lean techniques
9. Provides leadership, training and direction for the manufacturing staff to hit goals and objectives
10. Communicates well cross-functionally and works with HR to ensure team building, performance management and adherence to all policies and procedures are followed
11. Plans and executes capital projects to maintain and improve the plant’s performance
12. Learns the science of abrasive materials and the mechanical alteration of their different properties

• Ensure and enforce that all plant departments are in full compliance with all safety and environmental regulations
• Ensure efficient and orderly production and maintenance operations to meet production, shipping, and inventory requirements with the highest attention to quality and customer service
• Closely monitor process to maximize production yields of each product
• Ensure all production equipment is in proper working order by maintaining a regular preventive maintenance program and scheduling repairs in a timely and efficient manner
• Establish and nurture a Continuous Improvement culture
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing tools (i.e. value stream mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Gemba walks, root cause problem solving) to identify and develop solutions that drive operational improvement

• Ensure SOPs are up to date and accurate for all job functions in the plant and office
• Control raw material planning and inventory management
• Establish Key Performance Indicators and monitor/report performance
• Meet product cost objectives including maximizing utilization of manpower, machinery and material and minimizing inventory levels
• Establish raw material needs and communicate same
• Determine capital needs; recommend improvements and capital projects
• Maintain data on costs, budgets, safety, inventory, and continually monitor same vs. budgets/objectives
• Schedule personnel and machinery to best implement production control and marketing requirements
• Provide leadership, training, and direction to manufacturing team to accomplish the Company goals and objectives

• Provide for the personal and professional growth of subordinates through coaching, feedback, and opportunity
• Facilitate the development of strategies and corrective actions to resolve quality issues as necessary

• Responsible for labor relations to include discipline and resolution regarding open issues and concerns
• Assist in the development of a business plan and be responsible for meeting financial objectives set forth in the annual business plan
• Test, measure and study products to understand the manufacturing impacts on material properties
• Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to update management on plant performance
• Communicate and coordinate with Human Resource Department on needs of the facility
• Perform other tasks as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or material science preferred
• 5 years of plant managerial experience
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team
• Good analytical skills and detail-oriented
• Able to recognize process inefficiencies and cost saving opportunities
• Able to meet deadlines

• Capable of performing tasks both independently and as a team member

• In depth knowledge of manufacturing systems and processes
• Able to troubleshoot complex system problems
• Able to understand Profit and Loss statements and explain variances in expenses compared to budget
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire and produce energetic performances
• Able to steer the strategy and operational performance
• Motivated, dedicated, diligent, curious, self-starter

Washington Mills offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package including:

• Medical and dental plans heavily subsidized by Company
• Company paid life insurance
• 401(k) with an employer match and employer contribution
• On-site parking
• Immediate paid vacation and holidays
• Family-friendly sick and personal leave
• Opportunities for career development

Interested? We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Washington Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. M/F/D/V. Qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Washington Mills is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THIS INFORMATION.
 

I certify that the information on this application and its supporting documents is accurate and complete. I understand and agree that failure to fully complete the form, or misrepresentation or omission of facts, represents grounds for elimination from consideration for employment, or termination after employment if discovered at a later date.
 

I authorize Washington Mills to investigate, without liability, all statements contained in this application and supporting materials.

I authorize references and former employers, without liability, to make full responses to any inquiries in connection with this application for employment.
 

If selected for a position, I agree to submit to a physical exam, background investigation, and/or screening for illegal substances upon conditional offer of employment, depending on the position requirements. Job-related concerns identified during any of the above screenings may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
 

I understand that this document is NOT an offer of employment, and that an offer of employment, if tendered, does NOT constitute a contract for continued guaranteed employment. I understand that employees of Washington Mills who work at union facilities and are obligated to join the union as a result of the position they are applying for, serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable contract and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by you, for any or no reason, and the Company may terminate you pursuant to the applicable contract but in no event for a reason prohibited by law.
 

If employed, I will be required to furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and any other information required to be provided to employer by law or for benefit eligibility, and to comply with Company and departmental policies, practices, rules, and regulations.

I understand that if employed on a temporary basis, I would be paid for hours worked only, and would be ineligible for benefits including paid time off. I understand that any benefits I receive outside any applicable contract may be subject to change or discontinuation at any time without prior notice.
 

I understand that if offered employment, I will be required to complete a Form I-9 and that the Company reserves the right to terminate my employment if said information is processed through E-Verify and I am unable to resolve any discrepancies in my information with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other applicable government agency.

Salary : $125,000 - $140,000