Production Plant Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Production Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing operations within the paint and coatings production facility. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of finished goods while maintaining the highest standards of quality, inventory accuracy, environmental compliance, and employee engagement.The Production Plant Manager oversees daily production activities, manages personnel across manufacturing functions, coordinates production scheduling, maintains raw material and packaging inventories, and partners with Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Sales, Procurement, and Human Resources to meet customer demand and company objectives. This position serves as a key operational leader responsible for driving productivity, continuous improvement initiatives, safety performance, and operational excellence throughout the facility.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProduction Operations ManagementLead and direct all production floor activities to ensure production schedules are executed safely, efficiently, and accurately.Monitor daily production performance and implement corrective actions to achieve forecasted production volumes and company objectives.Coordinate manufacturing activities with Batch Makers to ensure products are produced according to approved formulas, specifications, and production schedules.Partner with the Canning Line Supervisor to ensure products are packaged, labeled, palletized, and prepared for shipment in accordance with quality standards and customer requirements.Monitor filling operations to ensure product quality, cleanliness, and compliance with established manufacturing procedures.Ensure efficient utilization of production equipment, tank capacity, labor resources, and plant facilities.Oversee production flow to maximize throughput while minimizing downtime, bottlenecks, and manufacturing interruptions.Coordinate production changeovers and tank turnovers to facilitate timely batch production and schedule adherence.Manage special production requirements, including custom labeling, repackaging, relabeling, and alternate packaging configurations.Organize and supervise weekend production activities and special projects as business demands require.Respond to operational challenges in real time and implement solutions that minimize production disruptions.Leadership and Team ManagementProvide leadership, coaching, and direction to production personnel to drive accountability, engagement, and performance.Establish clear performance expectations and monitor employee productivity and effectiveness.Foster a culture of teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing organization.Resolve employee concerns, conflicts, and operational issues in a professional and timely manner.Partner with Human Resources in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and retaining production team members.Conduct employee performance evaluations and identify development opportunities for direct and indirect reports.Promote employee involvement in problem-solving and process improvement initiatives.Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained to support operational requirements.Inventory and Materials ManagementOversee inventory management for raw materials, packaging materials, production supplies, and janitorial supplies across multiple warehouses, storage locations, and bulk tank farms.Ensure inventory accuracy through routine cycle counting, reconciliation, and corrective action processes.Coordinate material replenishment activities with Procurement and Operations to maintain uninterrupted production schedules.Monitor inventory levels and forecast material requirements based on production demand.Manage receipt, storage, and utilization of raw materials while ensuring compliance with company procedures and safety standards.Coordinate incoming deliveries and storage capacity planning to optimize warehouse utilization.Receive bulk raw materials into inventory and ensure completion of all receiving documentation.Oversee bulk material offloading operations involving solvents, resins, emulsions, and other chemical raw materials.Maintain accountability for tank farm access, fill nozzle controls, and material transfer operations.Manage inventory levels of pails, containers, drums, totes, cartons, lids, labels, and other packaging components.Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective measures to improve inventory control and accuracy.Partner with inventory control personnel to establish and maintain effective inventory counting schedules.Quality and Regulatory ComplianceCollaborate with Quality Control personnel to ensure production batches are tested, approved, and released in a timely manner.Support troubleshooting efforts involving non-conforming products and manufacturing issues.Partner with Quality Control, Laboratory, and R&D teams to identify root causes of quality concerns and implement corrective actions.Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with company quality standards, documented procedures, and regulatory requirements.Assist with scale-up activities, formula modifications, and continuous improvement projects designed to enhance product quality and production efficiency.Verify production documentation, lot traceability records, and batch records for accuracy and completeness.Ensure corrective and preventive actions are effectively implemented and sustained.Production Planning and Supply Chain CoordinationCollaborate with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure timely distribution and execution of production schedules.Generate and review production pick lists and batch documentation prior to release to production personnel.Verify production orders, batch tickets, lot numbers, and labeling information for accuracy.Ensure manufacturing activities align with customer demand, inventory requirements, and published production schedules.Monitor critical material availability and proactively communicate shortages or potential production risks.Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to prioritize production activities and meet customer commitments.Provide accurate production status updates and completion forecasts to stakeholders.Environmental, Health, and Safety ResponsibilitiesPromote and maintain a safe work environment consistent with company policies and regulatory requirements.Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, local environmental regulations, and other applicable standards.Lead safety initiatives, training programs, inspections, investigations, and corrective action efforts.Ensure proper handling, storage, transfer, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste streams.Manage waste generation activities and coordinate disposal schedules with Quality Control and Operations leadership.Conduct routine safety audits and identify opportunities to reduce workplace hazards and risks.Ensure employees utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety procedures.Maintenance and Continuous ImprovementCollaborate with Maintenance personnel to ensure production equipment remains reliable and operational.Assist in prioritizing equipment repairs and preventive maintenance activities.Identify process inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity, quality, and cost effectiveness.Monitor production metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) including: Production outputSchedule attainmentLabor efficiencyInventory accuracyWaste reductionOEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)Safety performanceQuality metricsLead operational improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies as applicable.Required CompetenciesLeadershipStrong leadership and team development capabilities.Ability to motivate, coach, and hold employees accountable for results.Effective conflict resolution and decision-making skills.Operational ExcellenceStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, inventory control, and operational performance management.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.Problem Solving and Analytical ThinkingExceptional troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and process improvement skills.Ability to make timely, data-driven decisions.CommunicationExcellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies.Organizational SkillsStrong planning, scheduling, and project management capabilities.High attention to detail and ability to manage complex operational activities.Education and ExperienceRequiredBachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Chemical Engineering, Business, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.Minimum of 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.Experience managing personnel in a production environment.Experience with inventory management, production scheduling, and quality systems.PreferredExperience in paint, coatings, chemical manufacturing, adhesives, or related batch process industries.Experience working with hazardous materials and bulk chemical handling operations.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing reporting tools.Physical Requirements and Working ConditionsFrequent walking throughout manufacturing, warehouse, and tank farm areas.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas as needed.Exposure to manufacturing environments including noise, dust, chemicals, forklifts, and varying temperatures.Must be able to wear required PPE and work safely around industrial equipment and chemical processes.Other DutiesThis job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities as business needs change. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.This version elevates the position from a floor supervisor role to a true operations leadership role, which is more appropriate for a Production Plant Manager in a paint and coatings manufacturing environment.