Plant Manager

Job Description
Job Title: Plant Manager

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervises: 3 Production Managers and approximately 175 hourly employees

Position Summary

Symbiotic Services is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations for a large-scale production facility. This role partners closely with the Director of Operations and is responsible for production performance, quality assurance, scheduling, process improvement, employee development, and workplace safety. The Plant Manager will ensure operational compliance with company policies and customer expectations while driving efficiency and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

This description outlines the general responsibilities and requirements of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly production performance and KPIs across manufacturing departments including Upholstery, Sewing, Cutting, and Stock Room.
• Implement operational controls, reporting procedures, and workforce management systems to ensure efficiency, quality, and financial stability.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Production Managers and Supervisors regarding hiring, attendance management, training, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor operational KPIs and contribute to forecasting and departmental budget planning.
• Collaborate with department leaders to implement company-wide initiatives and operational improvements.
• Communicate organizational decisions, policies, and operational updates to management teams.
• Partner with production leadership to develop downtime and efficiency tracking systems that minimize operational losses.
• Manage operational projects of varying scope, including facility improvements and process initiatives.
• Establish goals and development objectives for the operations management team.
• Optimize workforce levels while managing overhead and material costs to support annual budget targets.
• Recommend and implement manufacturing policies and programs that strengthen competitiveness and profitability.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce scrap, and improve quality through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Direct programs related to training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, and employee engagement.
• Lead capital and facility improvement projects such as equipment installation and layout changes.
• Participate in internal committees and cross-functional initiatives.
• Support employee training and onboarding programs.
• Address operational issues, escalate concerns when appropriate, and collaborate with leadership on solutions.
• Ensure safety standards and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are consistently followed.
• Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform additional duties as required to support efficient operations.

Experience & Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of plant or production leadership experience within furniture manufacturing, wood products, upholstery, or a similar labor-intensive manufacturing environment.
• 3-5 years of experience supervising managers or exempt staff in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing operational systems and workflows within a customer-focused manufacturing business.
• Demonstrated experience managing diverse teams with varying backgrounds and work styles.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to lead large hourly workforces in multi-shift manufacturing environments, including workforce planning, staffing, and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes such as upholstery, finishing, assembly, machining, or materials handling.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives that improve productivity, quality, throughput, inventory turns, or cost efficiency.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to make decisions with an enterprise-wide perspective.
• Skilled in coaching, negotiation, and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to balance priorities, execute initiatives, and maintain operational urgency.
• Comfortable addressing complex employee matters with professionalism and tact.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as Finance, Human Resources, IT, Customer Service, Continuous Improvement, and executive leadership.

Technology & Communication Skills

• Strong English communication skills including speaking, reading, and writing.
• Ability to lead meetings and respond effectively to employee and leadership inquiries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar business software.
• Experience working with ERP systems and manufacturing-related software platforms.

Travel & Additional Requirements

• Approximately 10-20% local travel within the state .
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required to support operational needs, events, or project deadlines.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position requires work in both office and manufacturing environments. Duties include prolonged periods working at a computer as well as time spent on the production floor.

Employees may regularly walk, stand, bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The role may require lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds . Exposure to manufacturing equipment, moving mechanical parts, noise, dust, and varying environmental conditions may occur. Appropriate safety precautions and personal protective equipment must be used at all times.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.