Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Our client in East Chicago, Indiana is seeking a Plant Manager for their company. The Plant Manager is responsible for the daily operation of the structural steel fabrication plant. This includes safety, production, quality, labor, and equipment. The role makes sure jobs are fabricated on schedule, to specification, and within budget, and holds the shop team to consistent standards for attendance, timekeeping, and conduct.

Qualifications
• 7+ years in structural steel or metal fabrication, including 3+ years in a supervisory or management role
• Working knowledge of fabrication processes: cutting, fitting, welding, drilling, coping, and finishing
• Ability to read shop drawings
• Strong knowledge of OSHA and shop safety practices
• Experience managing non-union shop labor
• Proficiency with production scheduling and timekeeping systems; comfort with Excel and basic reporting
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Demonstrated integrity and consistency in enforcing company policy

Key Responsibilities:

Production and scheduling
• Plan and manage daily shop workflow in coordination with project management and the production schedule
• Assign crews, shifts, and work stations to meet delivery dates
• Track job progress, identify bottlenecks, and communicate schedule risks early
• Coordinate material receiving, staging, and shipping with the project team

Safety and compliance
• Enforce OSHA requirements and company safety policies
• Lead safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective actions
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

Quality control
• Ensure fabrication meets shop drawings, quality standards, and customer specifications
• Oversee inspections, welding procedures, and documentation
• Manage rework and non-conformance issues

People management
• Supervise, train, and develop shop foremen, welders, fitters, and laborers
• Manage hiring recommendations, performance reviews, and discipline in coordination with HR and ownership
• Review and approve employee timecards for accuracy, and ensure hours reported match hours actually worked
• Enforce attendance and timekeeping policies consistently and report violations promptly

Equipment and facilities
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and safe operation of plant equipment
• Recommend equipment purchases, leases, and upgrades
• Manage the shop's tooling, consumables, and maintenance schedules

Cost and reporting
• Manage labor hours, overtime, and shop productivity against job budgets
• Provide regular reports on production, labor, and equipment to management
• Support job costing by ensuring accurate labor and material reporting

Preferred
• Experience with AISC-certified fabrication shops
• Familiarity with CWI or welding inspection requirements
• Experience with job-tracking software (Microsoft Excel)
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement background

Physical Requirements
• Regularly on the shop floor in an industrial environment with noise, heat, and moving equipment
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Willing to wear required PPE

Compensation

• $86,000 - $100,000

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

\nCompany Description

Davis Staffing is a trusted partner of the best light industrial companies, small businesses, and jobseekers in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. For more than 60 years, we have helped our candidates grow their careers in Production, Quality, Warehousing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Administration, Finance, R&D, Sales, and Customer Service roles. Contact us today and find out how Davis can make a difference for you!

Company Description

Davis Staffing is a trusted partner of the best light industrial companies, small businesses, and jobseekers in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region. For more than 60 years, we have helped our candidates grow their careers in Production, Quality, Warehousing, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Administration, Finance, R&D, Sales, and Customer Service roles. Contact us today and find out how Davis can make a difference for you!