Plant Manager

Purple Squirrel Advisors; Glendale Heights (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations. This role involves ensuring efficient and safe production while meeting customer expectations and quality standards. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, implement lean manufacturing principles, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. With a focus on strategic planning and problem-solving, this position is perfect for someone looking to make a significant impact in a manufacturing environment. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and are passionate about operational excellence, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in plant management in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations ensuring production goals and quality standards are met.
• Lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Problem-Solving

Team Motivation

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data-Driven Decision Making

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Equivalent experience

Tools

IQMS

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring efficient and safe production while meeting customer expectations, quality standards, and cost objectives. This role involves managing production, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams, ensuring adherence to safety and compliance regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Plant Manager collaborates with senior management, engineering, finance, and HR to align business goals with operational performance. Strong leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, and team motivation are critical for success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and cost objectives are met.

• Lead cross-functional teams, including Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain, fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production processes, improve efficiency, and reduce waste using lean manufacturing principles.

• Monitor KPIs, budgets, and performance metrics to drive operational improvements and ensure cost control.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, creating a safe and clean working environment.

• Work closely with HR to develop workforce strategies, including training, performance evaluations, and succession planning.

• Maintain strong supplier relationships and oversee procurement to ensure material availability and cost efficiency.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, problem-solving, and innovation to enhance overall plant performance.

• Oversee facility maintenance and ensure the proper functioning of all plant equipment and infrastructure.

• Align plant operations with corporate strategies, regulatory requirements, and long-term business objectives.

• Extensive time will be spent working in the shop floor environment providing guidance, training, and direction to production employees.

• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with elevated noise levels and exposure to machine lubrication oils for extended periods.

• Capable of performing light physical activities, including walking and other non-strenuous administrative tasks.

• Willing to travel overnight occasionally to customer or supplier locations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related technical field; or equivalent experience without a degree will also be considered.

• Minimum of 10-15 years’ experience in plant management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies.

• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or precision machining is preferred.

• Prior experience as a Plant Manager or in a similar high-level leadership role.

• Experience with IQMS is a plus.

• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with a data-driven mindset.

• Effective communication and leadership abilities to manage diverse teams and drive collaboration.