Plant Manager

Plant ManagerOur client is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to provide overall leadership for a manufacturing facility, with responsibility for delivering results across safety, quality, customer service, cost, productivity, people development, and continuous improvement.This is a highly visible leadership position for a results-oriented manufacturing professional who enjoys developing people, improving processes, and building a culture of accountability and operational excellence.The Plant Manager will lead day-to-day manufacturing operations while also setting the strategic and tactical direction necessary to achieve both plant and company objectives.ResponsibilitiesSafety & Quality LeadershipChampion a safety-first culture by ensuring compliance with established safety, health, quality, GMP, and company policies and procedures.Lead plant safety initiatives, including training programs, safety meetings, audits, employee engagement, and recognition programs.Drive quality performance through corrective and preventive actions, root-cause problem solving, new product qualifications, and continuous improvement.Participate in internal and external quality system audits and ensure corrective action plans are implemented effectively.Establish clear expectations and accountability for safety and quality throughout the organization.Operational ExcellenceDirect daily manufacturing operations to achieve goals for safety, quality, service, productivity, cost, and delivery.Review operating and financial performance and ensure plant costs remain within established budgetary standards.Develop and execute continuous improvement plans that support both short- and long-term performance objectives.Champion Operational Excellence, Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies across cross-functional teams.Identify opportunities to improve equipment utilization, labor efficiency, material usage, waste, throughput, and overall plant performance.Oversee production planning to ensure customer requirements and delivery expectations are consistently achieved.Leadership & People DevelopmentSelect, develop, coach, and retain plant leadership, supervisory, and staff personnel.Establish clear performance expectations and create accountability for achieving organizational goals.Build leadership capability and strengthen succession planning throughout the plant.Foster an open-door, collaborative, and team-oriented culture that encourages employee involvement and continuous improvement.Create an environment where employees are engaged, empowered, and focused on achieving shared goals.Customer & Cross-Functional PartnershipDevelop and maintain strong relationships with customers while identifying opportunities for process improvements and supply chain cost reductions.Partner closely with Sales and Customer Service to meet customer requirements and maximize utilization of plant capabilities.Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, Maintenance, and other functional teams to achieve business objectives.Serve as the plant's Project Manager for new equipment, molds/tooling, and other key manufacturing initiatives.Business & Strategic ManagementDevelop and execute the plant's strategic and tactical operating plans, providing the focus and direction necessary to achieve plant and company objectives.Monitor plant performance through key operating and financial metrics, proactively addressing performance gaps.Participate in monthly, quarterly, and year-end physical inventories in accordance with company guidelines.Lead or participate in special projects and initiatives that support broader organizational priorities.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Manufacturing, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant plant management experience will be considered.Minimum of 5 years of progressive operations leadership experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred.Demonstrated success leading manufacturing teams and delivering measurable operational results.Experience within packaging, containers, plastics, blow molding, injection molding, rigid packaging, or a related manufacturing environment is highly desirable.Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Operational Excellence, or similar continuous improvement methodologies preferred.Strong business and financial acumen, including experience managing operating budgets and manufacturing costs.Proven ability to lead change, solve complex problems, develop people, and create accountability.Strong computer and technology skills.Our client is looking for a Plant Manager who:Leads from the floor: Is visible, engaged, and connected to employees and daily operations.Develops people: Coaches others, builds strong teams, and creates opportunities for employees to grow.Drives results: Uses data, accountability, and disciplined execution to achieve performance objectives.Communicates effectively: Clearly conveys expectations, priorities, and business information at all levels of the organization.Collaborates: Builds productive relationships across departments and proactively contributes to shared objectives.Solves problems: Identifies root causes, makes sound decisions, and follows through to sustainable solutions.Thrives in a fast-paced environment: Effectively prioritizes competing demands, works under pressure, and consistently meets deadlines.Puts the customer first: Understands how plant performance affects customers and works proactively to deliver exceptional service.