Plant Director: Operational Excellence & Safety Leader

USA Donaldson Company Inc.; Cresco (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual incentive plan

Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Donaldson Company, Inc. in Cresco, IA is seeking a Plant Director to lead site operations and deliver strong safety, quality, delivery, and financial results. You will set the plant direction, build a high-performing team, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement to meet customer expectations. The role emphasizes cost control, budgeting, and inventory management in a competitive manufacturing environment. Relocation assistance may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including 5+ years of people leadership.
• Proven ability to manage safety, quality, delivery, cost, budgets, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Ensures a strong and effective culture within the plant in safety, quality, and manufacturing excellence.
• Cultivates a highly engaged and accountable workforce, championing teamwork and commitment.
• Leads teams across Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain within the manufacturing facility.
• Oversees Environmental Health and Safety programs to ensure compliance and a safe work environment.
• Exceeds customer expectations through delivering on-time delivery and high quality performance with lower PPM.
• Develops and responsible for meeting operational budgets including manufacturing cost, CAPEX, and Inventory.
• Drives cost reduction through projects for labor, material and overhead.
• Maintains optimal inventory to meet customer demand while supporting cash conversion targets.
• Develops strategic plans for plant footprint, equipment, staffing, and resources to drive continuous improvements.

Skills

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Cost reduction

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Supply Chain/Business

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems (Oracle)

P&L management

Job description

Donaldson Company, Inc. in Cresco, IA is seeking a Plant Director to lead site operations and deliver strong safety, quality, delivery, and financial results. You will set the plant direction, build a high-performing team, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement to meet customer expectations. The role emphasizes cost control, budgeting, and inventory management in a competitive manufacturing environment. Relocation assistance may be available.