Plant Operations Manager

Job Description

Bradley Professional is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager for a manufacturing client in the Triad.

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This hands-on leadership role will oversee daily manufacturing operations, drive operational efficiency, and ensure production goals are met while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and performance.

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The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing leader with a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and team development. This individual must be comfortable working on the production floor, leading a large workforce, and implementing processes that improve productivity and profitability.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and cost objectives are achieved.
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• Lead and develop a workforce of approximately 120–150 employees, including managers, supervisors, and team leaders.
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• Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.
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• Establish standardized processes and procedures to improve production flow, reduce overtime, and minimize rework.
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• Monitor production KPIs, labor efficiency, throughput, and overall operational performance.
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• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and other departments to identify and resolve production challenges.
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• Utilize ERP systems to improve production planning, reporting, and accountability.
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• Develop and mentor leadership teams while promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
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• Lead initiatives to improve production capacity, workforce engagement, and overall plant performance.
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Qualifications

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• 5+ years of manufacturing operations leadership experience, preferably in automotive, commercial vehicles, truck bodies, or a related manufacturing environment.
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• Proven experience managing a large hourly workforce of 120–150 employees.
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• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, process improvement, and production optimization.
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• Demonstrated success improving productivity, quality, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
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• Experience implementing standardized processes and driving organizational change.
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• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
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• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and team development skills.
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• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment.
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Ideal Candidate

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A results-driven manufacturing leader who can balance strategic planning with daily plant operations. This individual must be passionate about developing people, improving processes, building accountability, and creating a safe, efficient, and high-performing manufacturing environment.