Plant Manager

Maxcess; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Paid Time Off

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan/401(k) with 2%

Disability and Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job summary

Maxcess is seeking an International Cutting Die Plant Manager to lead all plant operations, safety, quality, and financial performance. The role drives continuous improvement and operational excellence while ensuring the efficient manufacture and delivery of cutting dies and systems.

You will lead Lean manufacturing, collaborate with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance, and manage budgets, KPIs, and workforce development to achieve on-time, cost-efficient production.

Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery and productivity.
• Strong Lean/continuous improvement background with measurable impact on waste and efficiency.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance in a manufacturing setting.
• Capable of data-driven decision making and managing complex ERP/MRP environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute operational plans that support business goals, customer requirements, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality standards and on-time delivery performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to support customer needs and operational objectives.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
• Manage labor planning, staffing, workforce development, and succession planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and EH&S standards.
• Oversee inventory management and material flow to support production and customer service goals.
• Partner with Engineering to introduce new products, technologies, equipment, and process improvements.
• Develop annual operating budgets and manage expenses to meet financial objectives.
• Support capital planning and investment initiatives to improve capacity, productivity, and quality.
• Communicate with regional/global leadership regarding performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive employee engagement through coaching, development, performance management, and recognition programs.
• Lead customer visits, audits, and operational reviews as required.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Budgeting

Financial accountability

Data-driven decisions

People leadership

Communication

ERP/MRP experience

Manufacturing leadership

Operations analysis

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include but may not be limited to the following. Additional duties may be assigned depending upon business needs.

Job Summary

The International Cutting Die Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of plant operations, including safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory management, employee engagement, and financial performance. The role ensures the efficient manufacture and delivery of cutting dies and cutting die systems while driving continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute operational plans that support business goals, customer requirements, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while maintaining quality standards and on-time delivery performance.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to support customer needs and operational objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to improve plant performance.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
• Manage labor planning, staffing, workforce development, and succession planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Oversee inventory management and material flow to support production and customer service goals.
• Partner with Engineering to introduce new products, technologies, equipment, and process improvements.
• Develop annual operating budgets and manage expenses to meet financial objectives.
• Support capital planning and investment initiatives to improve capacity, productivity, and quality.
• Communicate effectively with regional and global leadership regarding business performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive employee engagement through coaching, development, performance management, and recognition programs.
• Lead customer visits, audits, and operational reviews as required.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide direct leadership to production, quality, maintenance, supply chain.
• Develop, coach, and retain high-performing employees.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Conduct performance reviews and career development planning.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and results-oriented work environment.

Candidate Requirements

• This is an on-site leadership position.
• Candidate must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship requirements.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management experience.
• Prior experience leading a custom manufacturing, industrial products, tooling, converting, printing, packaging, or cutting die operation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience driving Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong background in operational performance management, budgeting, and financial accountability.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven track record of improving safety, quality, delivery, and productivity metrics.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience working in an ERP/MRP manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrix organization and global business environment.

Maxcess offers competitive pay and benefits including:

• Bonus plan
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Program
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan/401(k) with company match
• Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Paid Parental Leave

Maxcess is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, age, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.