Plant General Manager

General ManagerThe General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of a PET manufacturing facility, including blow molding, closure and/or injection operations. The role spans single-process plants (one production process) and multi-process plants (a combination of injection/preforms, blow molding, and closures); the core accountabilities are the same, while scope, scale, and organizational complexity increase with the number of processes. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operations while delivering high-quality products, developing talent, and achieving financial and operational objectives aligned with our client's business strategy.Responsibilities:Lead, manage and coordinate all activities of a manufacturing plant, including both operational and administrative functions, to obtain optimal utilization, efficiency and product quality across all shifts and maximize financial results.Drive accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs), including safety, quality, machine efficiency, scrap, uptime, labor efficiency, and customer service.Establish and maintain a strong positive working relationship with customers that are supplied by the plant. Proactively address service or quality issues.Visit customers as needed to resolve any issues that may arise and participate in customer partnership meetings. Ensure that appropriate actions are taken so that customer expectations are met.Ensure that plant and Company policies are administered to provide consistent treatment of all employees.Coordinate production scheduling and material flow to optimize internal and external processes.Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team by building the plant's bench through active succession planning, development plans, and internal promotions.Adopt and sustain Company standards and data-driven manufacturing practices.Ensure a safe working environment that supports high performance work teams and maintains a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, food safety (as applicable), Company policies and all federal, state, and local regulations.Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.Provide developmental and training opportunities for all employees, through both internal and external programs. Interface with Human Resources and the Corporate Training and Development Manager to coordinate training programs.Prepare annual capital and operating budgets for the manufacturing facility. Review and approve all plant purchase orders and invoices. Coordinate month end closing activities and submittal of necessary reports.Analyze financial performance and implement actions to meet or exceed targets.Approve expenditures, monitor costs, and ensure fiscal discipline.Cooperate and respond to requests for information or audits as required.Ensure consistent and fair application of Company policies and practices.Drive employee engagement and communication at all levels of the plant.Partner with corporate functions (HR, Safety, Finance, Engineering, IT, Legal) to implement company initiatives.Align plant goals with Company strategy and performance expectations.Provide regular updates to senior leadership on plant performance, risks, and opportunities.Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Manufacturing Operations.Comply with all activities related to product safety, legality, regulatory compliance, and quality.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).8+ years manufacturing management experience.Proven success leading plant operations in a high-volume, automated environment.Experience in blow molding, injection, compression, plastics, or packaging manufacturing preferred.Demonstrated financial and operational management experience.Key Competencies:Strong leadership and team development skills.Operational excellence and continuous improvement mindset.Financial acumen and business decision-making capability.Ability to use operational data and KPIs to drive decisions and accountability.Understanding of OSHA, employment laws, and regulatory complianceExcellent communication and customer relationship skills.Ability to lead through change and drive culture transformation