Plant Manager

Standex Engraving is launching a new, state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim part manufacturing facility in Fraser, MI. This is a (relatively) small-scale operation designed to augment our other offerings in the space, including engraving and soft trim tooling. As a start-up operation, we seek a dynamic Plant Manager to lead all aspects of plant and production management. This role combines traditional plant management with hands‑on oversight of plastic injection molding operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality, and safe production of automotive components. The Plant Manager will be instrumental in building a high-performance team, establishing processes, and driving continuous improvement from the ground up.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics, to achieve operational, financial, and productivity goals.
• Utilize innovative capabilities to successfully execute part production operation. Partnering with Leadership and Launch Manager in developing multi-year strategic plan for part production business.
• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to ensure production targets and customer deadlines are met.
• Lead, coach, and develop department leads, production supervisors, and operators, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement process improvements for plastic injection molding operations.
• Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.) and enforce company policies with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Maintain production reports, analyze data, and recommend process optimization strategies.
• Manage site P&L, operating within budget and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Approve maintenance work, equipment purchases, and coordinate shipments with logistics and customers.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and schedules, track and approve paid time off, hours worked, and manage personnel matters including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, development, training, performance management, retention, and terminations (partnering with local HR)
• Drive proactive actions to foster employee engagement and ensure a respectful, ethical work environment.
• Communicate effectively with customers, upper management, and internal teams regarding production timing, quality, and delivery.
• Models company policies and values, promotes a positive work environment. Champions safety and quality initiatives, culture surveys, and recognition programs.
• Miscellaneous duties in support of successful business operation.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• 3+ years of operational management experience in manufacturing, Class A soft trim automotive interior manufacturing, including edge-folding and finesse operations.
• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; prior experience with start-up desirable
• Experience deploying, qualifying and validating new processes in a highly automated production environment.
• Proactive approach, ability to prioritize and act with a sense of urgency.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change and willingness to constantly learn and adapt.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and experimental design.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and solve technical challenges using first principals.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Highly knowledgeable of quality standards and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and production management software.