Plant Manager

Pierce Manufacturing; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 103,300 - 177,700; Full time

Job summary

Pierce Manufacturing in Appleton, WI seeks a Plant Manager to oversee manufacturing operations in a complex environment. This role focuses on safety, quality, and employee engagement while leading large teams and driving operational performance.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and extensive manufacturing leadership experience. Key responsibilities include fostering teamwork, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting strategic planning. The position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to employee wellbeing.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience within a plant or manufacturing role.
• Experience leading large teams in complex manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution.
• Develop and inspire large teams by fostering accountability and engagement.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity and quality.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership experience

Team management

Operational performance

Cross-functional teamwork

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

ABOUT PIERCE, AN OSHKOSH COMPANY

Pierce manufactures trucks that protect people and communities worldwide. Since 1913, we have evolved from building bodies on Model T chassis to delivering highly customized, carefully designed emergency vehicles. Our trucks perform under the toughest conditions.

PLANT MANAGER ROLE

The Plant Manager leads manufacturing operations within a highly complex, high‑mix, low‑volume production environment. They oversee large teams across multiple production areas, drive operational performance, and ensure alignment with organizational goals related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.

YOUR IMPACT

• Lead manufacturing operations across designated production areas while ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution.
• Champion a safety‑first culture where employee wellbeing is prioritized and operational decisions are made with safety at the forefront.
• Develop and inspire large teams by fostering accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous growth.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives that improve productivity, throughput, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead through ambiguity and organizational change while maintaining focus on business objectives and employee engagement.
• Partner closely with production, materials, quality, engineering, supply chain, and business leaders to achieve operational goals.
• Identify and eliminate operational constraints, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies throughout the manufacturing process.
• Establish performance expectations and utilize key metrics to drive accountability and results.
• Support strategic planning initiatives that position the organization for future growth and operational success.
• Lead continuous improvement activities utilizing Lean manufacturing principles and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Develop leadership talent throughout the organization through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Foster strong communication across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Support customer commitments by balancing safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
• Build strong cross‑functional partnerships to effectively navigate organizational complexity and drive business results.
• Serve as a visible leader on the manufacturing floor, actively engaging employees and reinforcing company values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience within a plant, manufacturing, operations, or production leadership role.
• Experience leading large teams within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience driving operational performance through metrics, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading cross‑functional teams and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.

STANDOUT QUALIFICATIONS

• Plant Manager, Senior Plant Manager, Director of Manufacturing, Director of Operations, or equivalent leadership experience.
• Experience within high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience within custom‑engineered, capital equipment, heavy equipment, specialty vehicle, aerospace, defense, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, transportation, or industrial manufacturing industries.
• Proven ability to lead organizations through transformation, growth, or significant operational change.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Value Stream Management, or Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Experience leading large, multi‑shift manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to develop high‑performing leadership teams and drive employee engagement.
• Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, influence, and relationship‑building skills.
• Proven track record of driving safety, quality, delivery, and productivity improvements.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, highly visible manufacturing environment where priorities evolve rapidly.

Pay Range: $103,300.00 – $177,700.00

Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Oshkosh Corporation is a merit‑based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.

Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.

Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.