Plant Manager

Plant Manager – Heavy CNC Machining Operations



 

Primary Purpose of the Position

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading large-scale CNC machining and fabrication operations with direct oversight of heavy horizontal and vertical boring mills, CNC lathes, and multi-axis machining centers, including Haas and Okuma equipment. This role drives safety, quality, throughput, and profitability while ensuring optimal machine utilization, disciplined execution, and on-time delivery of complex machined components.

This leader blends deep technical CNC expertise with strong operational leadership to maximize spindle uptime, improve cycle efficiencies, control costs, and develop high-performing machining teams.

Essential Functions / Duties

CNC Operations Leadership

• Provide direct oversight of heavy CNC machining operations including horizontal/vertical bore mills and large-capacity CNC lathes (Haas and Okuma platforms).
• Optimize machine scheduling, setup reduction, tool management, and spindle utilization.
• Ensure programs, setups, and machining processes align with engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Partner with programming teams to improve cycle times, tooling strategies, and machining methods.

Production & Performance Management

• Manage daily production flow to meet POC schedules and delivery commitments.
• Monitor machine efficiency, scrap rates, rework, and downtime; implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cost control, and margin performance.
• Analyze actual vs. estimated machining hours and implement recovery strategies where needed.

Team Development & Accountability

• Lead machinists, programmers, setup technicians, and support staff.
• Train and mentor teams on advanced machining techniques, precision tolerances, and equipment capabilities.
• Establish clear productivity standards and performance metrics.
• Foster a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and accountability.

Plant & Equipment Readiness

• Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs are in place for all CNC equipment.
• Coordinate major repairs, rebuilds, and capital upgrades.
• Identify and justify capital investments in machining technology that improve capacity and ROI.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to OSHA, company safety procedures, and machining best practices.
• Promote a culture of safe rigging, heavy lifting, and machine operation.

Operational Agility

• Adjust labor and machine allocation in real time to address production challenges.
• Serve as escalation point for machining-related technical issues and troubleshooting.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on heavy CNC machining experience.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a heavy machining environment.
• Demonstrated expertise operating and managing Haas and Okuma CNC horizontal and vertical boring mills and large CNC lathes.
• Strong understanding of G-code, CNC programming logic, tooling systems, and precision machining practices.
• Experience managing high-mix, large-component machining operations.
• Proven success improving machine utilization, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.
• Experience in heavy fabrication or AISC-related industries preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage labor and operational budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and production tracking systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.