Plant Manager

The Armored Group (TAG); Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Armored Group (TAG) in Charlotte, NC, seeks a Plant Manager to lead operations spanning production, logistics, and customer service. You will set strategic direction, optimize processes, and drive performance across the plant.

This role requires strong leadership, a track record in Lean/Six Sigma, and ability to manage budgets while delivering high-quality outcomes and customer satisfaction. Occasional travel to sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related field (required).
• MBA or advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• 10+ years in operations management or a senior leadership role leading large, complex operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across supply chain, logistics, production, and customer service.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with long-term goals.
• Lead operations teams across functions and ensure collaboration.
• Establish KPIs to monitor performance and drive improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead process optimization using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Reduce costs while maintaining quality and service.
• Build and manage high-performance teams across departments.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development of operations staff.
• Manage budgets and collaborate with finance to monitor expenses and profitability.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive business growth, capacity expansion, and scalability.
• Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and labor laws.
• Oversee quality control and customer service to ensure high-quality products.
• Utilize data analytics and BI tools to forecast trends and report to executives.
• Lead technology-driven projects to enhance capabilities and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Operational metrics

Process improvement

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management

MBA or related advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

Data analytics tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Strategy & Leadership:

- Develop and implement operational strategies to align with the company’s long-term goals.

- Lead and direct the operations teams, ensuring collaboration and alignment across all functions.

- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor performance, ensure efficiency, and drive improvements across all departments.

- Drive the company’s operational culture, ensuring a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

2. Process Optimization & Efficiency:

- Analyze current operations to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

- Lead process optimization efforts using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement techniques.

- Ensure the organization’s operations run smoothly, reducing costs while maintaining quality and improving customer service.

3. Team Management & Development:

- Build and manage high-performance teams across multiple departments, including production, logistics, supply chain, and customer service.

- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to departmental managers, fostering growth and development within the teams.

- Oversee recruitment, training, and development of operations staff to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.

4. Financial Management & Budgeting:

- Develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.

- Collaborate with finance teams to monitor operating expenses, improve cost-efficiency, and maintain profitability.

- Ensure operational departments meet or exceed budget targets and manage any financial variances.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Work closely with other departments such as Sales, Marketing, IT, and Human Resources to ensure seamless operations and meet business objectives.

- Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement strategies for business growth, capacity expansion, and scalability.

- Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruption.

- Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements related to operations, including safety, environmental, and labor laws.

- Monitor risk management strategies and continuously improve operational resilience.

7. Customer Experience & Quality Control:

- Oversee the implementation of quality control and customer service strategies to ensure high-quality products and services.

- Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and collaborate with customer service teams to resolve operational challenges that impact client relationships.

8. Data Analytics & Reporting:

- Utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to generate operational insights, track performance, and forecast operational trends.

- Prepare regular reports for the executive team, providing insights into operations performance, KPIs, and areas for improvement.

- Ensure operational processes are supported by effective technology and software systems, identifying opportunities for digital transformation and automation.

- Lead technology-driven projects to enhance operational capabilities and improve efficiency.

Qualifications:

- Education:

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (required).

- MBA or advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

- Experience:

- 10+ years of experience in operations management or a related senior leadership role, with a strong track record of leading large, complex operations.

- Experience in managing cross-functional teams and overseeing diverse operational departments (e.g., supply chain, logistics, production, and customer service).

- Proven expertise in process improvement, cost management, and operational efficiency.

- Skills:

- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

- In-depth knowledge of operational metrics, process improvement tools, and business operations.

- Excellent problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.

- Strong financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.

- Ability to work collaboratively with senior management and cross-functional teams.

- Proficiency in operational software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions:

- Primarily office-based with occasional site visits to manufacturing, distribution, or other operational locations.

- Some travel may be required to visit stakeholders in different locations.

Additional Information:

- The Plant Manager will be expected to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that strategic initiatives are successfully executed.

- The position requires the ability to work under pressure, manage a diverse team, and balance both short-term goals and long-term strategic objectives.