Plant Manager

Back Plant Manager Industrial Columbus, Ohio Direct Hire Jun 25, 2026 Plant Manager Summary The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations across the facility, ensuring products are produced safely, efficiently, on schedule, and at the highest quality standards while meeting cost and profitability objectives. This role provides leadership to managers, supervisors, and production teams, driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, employee development, and financial performance. Essential Duties Lead all manufacturing operations to produce high-quality products efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. Ensure compliance with established quality standards and manufacturing procedures. Develop, recommend, and implement improvements to production methods, equipment, and operational processes. Ensure production schedules are achieved to meet customer delivery commitments. Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime. Analyze operational issues and implement effective corrective actions. Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability to managers, supervisors, and employees. Maintain accurate production records, reports, and operational metrics. Monitor inventory accuracy and coordinate physical inventory activities. Measure, analyze, and improve manufacturing performance and operational variances. Ensure accurate reporting and documentation of production data. Assist in resolving customer concerns related to manufacturing and product quality. Participate in meetings, training, and professional development activities. Maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, local, environmental, and safety regulations. Establish, monitor, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs). Develop and mentor employees while supporting succession planning initiatives. Foster a safe work environment through enforcement of safety policies, audits, inspections, incident investigations, and continuous safety improvement. Participate in annual budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning activities. Contribute to long-term strategic planning and operational growth initiatives. Identify and mitigate operational risks to maintain uninterrupted production. Support sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience. Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience. Strong understanding of modern manufacturing methods and continuous improvement practices. Knowledge of labor laws and employment regulations. Experience managing production equipment and manufacturing processes. Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to develop, coach, and train employees. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. General Manager-Level Leadership Own overall site performance including safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and employee engagement. Operate the facility with an owner mindset while balancing short-term execution and long-term strategic objectives. Establish clear operational priorities and communicate organizational goals. Lead cross-functional collaboration among Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Environmental Health & Safety. Serve as the primary operational decision-maker for the facility. Strategic & Financial Management Manage plant financial performance, including labor costs, operating expenses, and profitability. Develop annual operating plans, capital expenditure plans, and long-term improvement strategies. Evaluate and prioritize capital investments that improve productivity, safety, and efficiency. Utilize financial and operational metrics to drive business decisions. Ensure inventory accuracy, effective working capital management, and operational risk mitigation. People & Culture Leadership Build and lead a high-performing leadership team. Coach, mentor, and develop future organizational leaders. Drive accountability through performance management, coaching, and employee development. Promote a culture centered on safety, ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Support employee engagement and positive workplace relations. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Implement standardized work, KPI management, and daily operating systems. Balance production throughput, quality, and cost objectives. Lead operational recovery efforts during equipment failures, production disruptions, or emergency situations. External & Regulatory Responsibilities Represent the facility with customers, auditors, regulatory agencies, and corporate leadership. Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, labor, and regulatory requirements. Collaborate with corporate and support functions to implement operational best practices. Promote sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible manufacturing practices. Leadership Competencies Success in this role requires: Enterprise-level business and operational leadership. Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making. Proven ability to lead leaders and build organizational accountability. High emotional intelligence, resilience, and change management capability. Ability to excel in a fast-paced, metrics-driven manufacturing environment. Courage to make difficult decisions while driving performance and continuous improvement. Physical Demands Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Stand and walk for extended periods. Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, and work in industrial environments. Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Push and pull equipment, carts, and materials. Operate tools, machinery, and equipment requiring manual dexterity. Maintain visual and auditory awareness for safe operation in a manufacturing environment. Work in environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, dust, and other industrial conditions while maintaining focus and safety awareness. #J-18808-Ljbffr