Plant Production/Maintenance Manager

Underground Solutions, a subsidiary of Azuria Water Solutions, is seeking a hands‑on Production & Maintenance Manager to support the startup and ongoing operation of our new PVC manufacturing facility in Batesville, Mississippi. This role is responsible for overseeing daily production and maintenance activities, helping launch plant operations, and establishing the systems, routines, and team culture needed for a successful new facility. The ideal candidate will be a floor-focused leader with strong mechanical aptitude, practical management experience, and the ability to balance both production performance and equipment reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position combines operational leadership with hands‑on floor support and is ideal for a candidate who thrives in a startup manufacturing environment. Responsibilities Oversee day-to-day production and maintenance operations in a FPVC® manufacturing environment. Support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and ramp‑up activities. Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues as they arise. Develop and implement preventive maintenance routines and maintenance tracking processes. Coordinate staffing, production schedules, and maintenance priorities to support plant performance. Train, coach, and lead production and maintenance personnel. Establish and reinforce safety, housekeeping, and equipment care standards. Assist with standard operating procedures, work instructions, and operational workflows. Monitor production output, downtime, scrap, and equipment reliability. Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal teams during startup and ongoing operations. Support inventory control for spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies. Provide hands‑on leadership on the plant floor and help resolve issues quickly and effectively. Qualifications 10 to 15 years of experience in manufacturing, production, industrial maintenance, or related leadership roles. Hands‑on experience in a production environment, preferably plastics, PVC, extrusion, or similar continuous‑process manufacturing. Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills. Experience with plant startup, commissioning, or equipment installation preferred. Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and safety standards. Comfortable working on the plant floor and responding to operational needs in real time. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or related education preferred. Preferred Experience PVC, plastics, pipe, extrusion, or related manufacturing experience. Exposure to CMMS systems. Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience. Experience in a new plant or greenfield startup environment. Work Environment This is a hands‑on leadership position in a manufacturing environment. The successful candidate must be comfortable working closely with production and maintenance teams, adapting to changing priorities, and helping build processes from the ground up. We offer a competitive salary with career growth opportunities and a full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, prescription drug coverage, annual bonus potential, 401(k) matching, tuition assistance, overtime pay, paid time off, and more. Azuria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Azuria will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of, any person employed or seeking employment with Azuria on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, non‑disqualifying disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA compliant – priority referral Protected Veterans requested. #J-18808-Ljbffr