Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Location: Vandalia, IL | Relo assistance available

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Salary: $180,000

Bonus: 20%

Schedule: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, with flexibility based on operational needs

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a growing rubber manufacturing facility. This position will be responsible for driving operational performance while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The Plant Manager will oversee a three-shift operation and provide leadership across production, purchasing, scheduling, quality, and engineering. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position requiring regular interaction with all shifts and the ability to respond quickly to operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and manage day-to-day manufacturing operations and production staff.
• Oversee production activities across all three shifts and maintain visibility throughout the facility.
• Schedule and direct the daily work of Set-Up Coordinators, Production Operators, Production/Quality Coordinators, and Material Handlers.
• Develop production schedules in collaboration with planning and value-stream teams, taking equipment capabilities and labor resources into consideration.
• Partner with support teams to maintain production flow and meet customer requirements.
• Monitor performance against safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Review production transactions and team work to ensure accuracy and accountability.
• Track daily shift performance and assist with production reporting.
• Maintain product quality by ensuring employees consistently follow established standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive implementation directly on the production floor.
• Conduct timely and effective employee performance reviews.
• Enforce safety procedures, shop-floor policies, and workplace standards.
• Identify safety concerns and take immediate corrective action when necessary.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment.
• Address employee and team issues and provide effective solutions.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and engaged workplace.
• Provide support during urgent production situations and adjust priorities as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Candidates without a degree should have approximately 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in full P&L ownership role within a comparable manufacturing environment.
• Experience in rubber or plastics manufacturing is strongly preferred
• Experience working with an ERP system.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and implement practical process improvements.
• Strong leadership and employee-management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Stable employment history is preferred, with approximately three or more years in previous positions.

Technology

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Adobe Acrobat
• IQMS ERP preferred
• Experience with comparable ERP systems will be considered

The facility manufactures a diverse range of products and components, including:

• Rubber seals and gaskets
• Custom molded rubber components
• Trim board and ceiling components
• Plastic housings and structural components
• Medical device components
• Automotive and transportation components
• Aerospace and defense components
• Specialty molded products for consumer applications

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance
• Health and dependent-care FSA options
• Company-sponsored life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• 401(k) eligibility after 31 days
• Company match of 50% of the first 6% contributed
• Three-year vesting schedule
• Three weeks of paid vacation
• 80 hours of PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Employee referral program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition assistance