Plant Manager

HSM Company History | HSM HEART Company Values | Who is HSM to our customers?

Founded in 1944, HSM is a third generation, privately held company with a rich history of innovation and a commitment to our people. With 25 locations across the U.S. and corporate headquarters in Hickory, NC and Huntersville, NC, we specialize in manufacturing components for furniture, bedding, transportation, packaging, automotive, and healthcare industries. Our expertise also includes designing and building automated production machinery. HSM products from sofa springs to swimming pool noodles and bus seats, touch everyday life in countless ways.

At HSM, our success is built on our people. We foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, and shared success. If you’re looking for a meaningful place to grow and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

What You Will Do

• Lead Plant Operations
  • Oversee daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives
  • Align labor, equipment, and production schedules to meet customer demand
  • Establish structured performance management routines and operational discipline
  • Monitor key performance indicators and lead problem-solving initiatives to improve results
  • Ensure operational readiness for new product launches, engineering changes, and evolving production demands
• Drive Quality and Compliance
  
  • Maintain a strong quality culture aligned with global manufacturing standards (ISO, IATF, VDA)
  • Ensure the facility remains audit-ready and compliant with customer and regulatory requirements
  • Strengthen process controls and error-proofing through root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Champion Safety and Environmental Responsibility
  • Foster a zero-incident safety culture
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all environmental and safety regulations
  • Lead safety programs, training initiatives, and emergency preparedness efforts
  • Integrate safety into daily leadership routines across all departments
• Build and Develop High-Performing Teams
  • Lead and develop both salaried and hourly employees
  • Mentor supervisors, engineers, and operational leaders to strengthen organizational capability
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Support workforce planning and employee engagement strategies
• Manage Financial Performance
  • Develop and manage plant budgets including labor, overhead, and capital expenditures
  • Identify cost-reduction opportunities and productivity improvements
  • Analyze operational and financial performance to drive informed decisions
  • Align operational execution with broader business objectives
• Partner Cross-Functionally
  • Collaborate with supply chain to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy
  • Partner with engineering and commercial teams to support customer requirements
  • Resolve supplier, material, and production challenges impacting performance
• Lead Continuous Improvement
  • Drive initiatives that improve efficiency, flow, and process capability
  • Identify opportunities for automation, digital tools, and manufacturing technology
  • Implement operational improvements that enhance productivity and long-term performance

What You Bring

• Experience
  • 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing environments
  • Experience leading plant operations or multiple functional areas
  • Background in high-mix manufacturing, transportation, automotive, metal fabrication, or related industries strongly preferred
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field preferred
  • Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) is a plus
  • Equivalent leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments may also be considered
• Technical Knowledge
  • Experience working within global manufacturing quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.3)
  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes including fabrication, assembly, and material flow
  • Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production performance tools
• Leadership Capabilities
  • Proven ability to lead teams across multiple functions and shifts
  • Strong communication and influence skills across all levels of an organization
  • Ability to drive accountability, manage change, and solve complex operational challenges
• Business Acumen
  • Experience managing plant budgets and operational cost drivers
  • Ability to align plant performance with broader business strategy
  • Experience supporting customer-driven manufacturing environments
• What Makes You Successful in This Role
  • You lead with accountability and transparency
  • You bring a continuous improvement mindset
  • You develop people and build strong teams
  • You thrive in complex manufacturing environments and drive results

Why Join Us?

• Health & Wellness : Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including an innovative global healthcare option for qualified participants.
• Retire : 401(k) with company match, fully vested from day one.
• Paid Time Off : Competitive PTO: 3 Weeks of Vacation + 9 company paid holidays.
• On-Site Medical Clinics : Free for you and covered dependents.
• Teladoc : 24/7 access with no copay.
• Professional Development : Tuition reimbursement, professional development assistance and career growth opportunities.
• Discounts : Enjoy discounts with HSM partners, including Dollywood Parks & Resort, Verizon Wireless, and more.

EEOC

At HSM, we believe that our diversity creates a productive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectionate or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities


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