Director of Plant Operations & Continuous Improvement

100Hires, Inc.; Big Lake (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

100Hires, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Plant Manager to lead production planning, quality control, and cost reduction across Facilities, MFG Ops, Post Machining Ops, and Quality Ops at our Minnesota site.

You will drive strategy, oversee material flow and labor, and ensure on-time delivery while meeting EH&S and quality targets. Required 7–10 years in manufacturing leadership, with Lean and Six Sigma expertise, and a Bachelor's or Master’s in Business or Engineering.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in plant operations spanning production planning, quality control, cost reduction, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing and the ability to tailor tools to business needs.
• Track record meeting EH&S objectives, on-time delivery, quality, cost, and inventory metrics.
• Background in Medical Device or other regulated manufacturing is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management capabilities; excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience in Lean and Six Sigma methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant supply, production, and customer service performance for the site.
• Develop and execute the plant strategy to meet manufacturing objectives and deployment goals.
• Provide end-to-end oversight across Facilities, MFG Ops, Post Machining Ops, and Quality Ops.
• Drive growth by removing constraints and managing internal processes.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate production and delivery to meet customer commitments.
• Report performance using ERP and corporate financial systems; support operating budgets.
• Monitor costs to achieve the annual operating plan and strategic deployment actions.
• Maintain effective communication with leadership and customers to align goals.

Skills

Production planning

Quality control

Cost reduction

Supply chain

Manufacturing engineering

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business or Engineering

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Job description

Lead the heartbeat of our plantImagine starting your day with a quick walk-through of Facilities, MFG Ops, Post Machining Ops, and Quality Ops—four teams you guide end-to-end. You review ERP dashboards, confirm material flow against the monthly build plan, fine-tune labor deployment, and align the team on on‑time delivery, quality, and inventory targets. After a huddle, you pivot to the annual operating plan—capital, operating costs, and headcount—balancing today’s priorities with long‑range goals. By afternoon, you’re deep in Lean daily management, removing bottlenecks, reviewing cost and quality improvement projects, and preparing a performance update for leadership and customers. Throughout, you keep communication flowing so everyone is engaged, informed, and rowing in the same direction.Scope of responsibilityOwn plant supply, production, and customer service performance for the entire site.Develop and execute the plant strategy to meet manufacturing objectives and strategic deployment goals of the business.Provide end‑to‑end oversight across Facilities/MFG Ops/Post Machining Ops/Quality Ops.Accountable for all manufacturing and acceptance activities on site.Core responsibilitiesDrive growth by actively managing internal processes and removing constraints.Plan, direct, and coordinate production and delivery so customer commitments are met.Use ERP and corporate financial systems to report performance and financial results.Assist in creating operating budgets for every plant area; manage capital and expense controls.Monitor and control direct and indirect costs to achieve the annual operating plan and strategic deployment action plan.Oversee material flow and labor allocation to support monthly production schedules.Establish and track quality and cost improvement programs; lead process improvement initiatives.Apply Lean daily management systems to elevate performance and sustain gains.Create, implement, and refine policies and procedures for manufacturing operations.Report site activities and performance metrics; deliver periodic updates and special status reports to management and customers.Build effective communication practices so employees are engaged, informed, and aligned with business goals.Adhere to the TOMZ Quality Management System.Perform other duties as assigned.What you bringProven leadership in plant operations spanning production planning, quality control, cost reduction, supply chain, and manufacturing engineering.Hands‑on experience with Lean manufacturing and the ability to tailor tools to business needs.Track record meeting EH&S objectives, on‑time delivery, quality, cost, and inventory metrics.Strong computer skills (MS Office) and mandatory ERP experience.Ability to lead, plan, and manage a diverse manufacturing business and make sound decisions with minimal direction.Background in Medical Device or other regulated manufacturing.Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management capabilities; excellent oral and written communication skills.Knowledge and experience in Lean and Six Sigma methods.EducationBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.Experience7–10 years in manufacturing and operations, including Plant or Senior Management leadership.Physical requirementsAble to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds; use team lift or mechanical assistance for objects over 50 pounds.Able to sit or stand for extended periods.Work environment may include exposure to oil, grease, occupational noise, cleaning solvents, dust, metal particles, sparks, coolant, and sharp‑edged materials; PPE such as safety glasses, dust masks, ear plugs, cut‑resistant or chemical‑resistant gloves, and engineering controls may be required.