Plant Manager

Jobot; Hillside (NJ); On-site; USD 145,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobot is seeking a hands-on Plant Manager in Hillside, NJ to lead manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safe, cost-effective production with a focus on quality and on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate will have 7–10+ years in manufacturing leadership, knowledge of Lean methodologies, and experience with ERP/MRP systems. This on-site role reports to senior operations leadership and offers a competitive six-figure compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with leadership.
• Experience managing production teams, schedules, and performance.
• Lean, continuous improvement, root cause analysis, KPI-driven management.
• Experience with budgeting, cost reduction, and ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily plant operations to meet production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Oversee manufacturing processes including packaging operations and related activities.
• Optimize capacity, equipment utilization, and labor allocation to maximize throughput.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and plant personnel; set performance expectations.
• Implement Lean, 5S, Kaizen, and root-cause analysis for continuous improvement.
• Monitor KPIs: productivity, scrap, downtime, on-time delivery, and labor efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

KPI-driven

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Plant Manager

$120000 - $155000 per year | IND HILLSIDE, NJ | On-site | Permanent

A bit about us:

We are an established, family-owned manufacturer for a diverse range of customers. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer service, we take pride in delivering reliable products while continuously improving our manufacturing processes. Our team-oriented environment values hands‑on leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence as we continue to grow and evolve.

Why join us?

Join a well-established manufacturing company where you can make a direct impact on operations, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and help drive future growth. This is an opportunity to take ownership, work closely with leadership, and build a strong team in a hands‑on environment where quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction matter.

Job Details

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations at our facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while maintaining high standards for quality, customer service, and on‑time delivery. This role provides leadership across production, maintenance, quality, scheduling, and related plant functions, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on manufacturing leader with experience optimizing production processes, developing high‑performing teams, controlling costs, and improving operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Production Operations

Direct daily plant operations to meet production schedules, customer requirements, quality standards, and delivery commitments.

Oversee manufacturing processes, including printing, laminating, slitting, pouch converting, and related packaging operations, as applicable.

Optimize production capacity, equipment utilization, labor allocation, workflow, and scheduling to maximize throughput.

Partner with sales, customer service, purchasing, and supply chain teams to align production with customer demand and material availability.

Monitor production performance and proactively resolve bottlenecks, downtime, scrap, and other operational challenges.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, managers, and plant personnel.

Establish clear performance expectations, accountability, and measurable objectives across departments.

Foster a culture of teamwork, employee engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.

Support workforce planning, training, succession planning, and employee development.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

Implement Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and other continuous improvement methodologies.

Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve production efficiency, minimize changeover times, and increase equipment uptime.

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including productivity, scrap, downtime, on‑time delivery, and labor efficiency.

Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing processes, standardize best practices, and support sustainable operational growth.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Ensure products meet customer specifications and established quality standards.

Partner with quality personnel to address defects, customer complaints, corrective actions, and process‑control issues.

Maintain a safe working environment through established safety procedures, employee training, and compliance with applicable OSHA requirements.

Support applicable quality systems, audits, documentation, and customer‑specific requirements.

Financial & Resource Management

Develop and manage plant operating budgets, labor costs, and manufacturing expenses.

Monitor production costs, material utilization, waste, and profitability.

Evaluate equipment needs, maintenance priorities, and capital investments to improve productivity and reliability.

Collaborate with senior leadership on operational planning, capacity expansion, and business objectives.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs in partnership with maintenance personnel.

Minimize unplanned downtime and ensure production equipment is properly maintained.

Identify opportunities for automation, equipment upgrades, and process improvements.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, including leadership of plant or multi‑department operations.

Demonstrated experience managing production teams, supervisors, manufacturing schedules, and operational performance.

Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and KPI‑driven management.

Experience with production planning, inventory control, labor management, budgeting, and cost reduction.

Familiarity with manufacturing quality systems, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance.

Strong leadership, communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production reporting tools.

Success Measures

Improved production throughput and equipment utilization.

Reduced scrap, waste, downtime, and manufacturing costs.

Improved on‑time delivery and customer satisfaction.

Consistent product quality and fewer customer complaints.

Strong safety performance and compliance.

Increased employee engagement, accountability, and productivity.

Achievement of plant operating budgets and financial targets.

Position Details

Location: Hillside, NJ

Department: Manufacturing / Operations

Reports to: Senior Operations Leadership or Company Ownership

Compensation: $145-160k

Equal Opportunity Statement

Jobot is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We provide an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity and all qualified candidates receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Jobot also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

It is Jobot’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.