Plant Manager

Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager

Location: Smithfield, NC

Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager is required to join a leading manufacturing organisation, taking full ownership of a large-scale production facility and driving operational excellence across the site.

This is a key leadership position responsible for managing all aspects of plant performance, including manufacturing, production, quality, maintenance, engineering, materials, logistics and distribution. The successful Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager will lead a multi-functional team, improve operational efficiency, deliver continuous improvement initiatives and ensure the facility consistently achieves safety, quality, delivery and financial objectives.

The role is suited to an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives in a hands-on environment, combining strategic leadership with day-to-day operational management. You will play a critical role in developing a high-performance culture, improving processes, reducing costs and ensuring the plant continues to deliver exceptional results for both customers and the wider business.

Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager Package

• $200,000 base salary
• Competitive benefits package
• PTO

Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of plant operations, leading manufacturing, production, engineering, quality, maintenance, materials, supply chain, logistics and administrative functions.
• Lead, develop and motivate a multi-functional workforce, building a strong people-focused culture focused on safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, process improvements and operational excellence strategies to improve productivity, reduce waste and increase efficiency.
• Manage plant performance against key business objectives, including safety, quality, customer delivery, production output and financial targets.
• Own operational budgets, capital expenditure, workforce planning and cost-control initiatives to ensure the facility operates effectively and profitably.
• Develop and maintain a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with EHS standards, OSHA requirements and company policies.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, equipment utilisation, quality standards and overall plant performance.
• Resolve critical operational challenges while ensuring continuity of production and maintaining customer commitments.
• Implement standardised procedures, best practices and continuous improvement methodologies across the facility.
• Collaborate with leadership, sales, engineering and other departments to ensure customer requirements are understood and successfully delivered.

Plant Manager / Manufacturing Manager / Operations Manager Requirements

• 7+ years of plant management, manufacturing leadership or general management experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven experience leading a complete manufacturing operation with responsibility across multiple departments and functions.
• Strong background managing production teams, operational KPIs, budgets and financial performance.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement or operational excellence initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop large teams within a performance-driven culture.
• Experience managing capital expenditure, maintenance programmes and operational improvement projects.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, safety requirements and environmental compliance.
• Lean Six Sigma qualifications or similar continuous improvement certifications are advantageous.