Plant Manager

Komline; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Komline is seeking a Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and high‑performing production environment.

This role drives operational excellence by overseeing production, workforce performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while partnering with cross‑functional teams to meet customer commitments and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree preferred in engineering, operations management, or related field; equivalent leadership experience may be considered.
• Seven+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership with plant operations or multi-department supervision.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume environments and hands-on supervision of large hourly workforces.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, 6S, and continuous improvement practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Provide coaching and accountability for supervisors and personnel; foster engagement and teamwork.
• Develop production priorities, allocate labor/equipment, and optimize capacity.
• Coordinate with Operations, Project Mgmt, Engineering, and Supply Chain on schedules and issues.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and drive improvements to reduce waste and improve flow.
• Oversee workforce planning, development, performance management, and succession planning.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Kaizen

6S

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

MS Office

ADP payroll systems

Job description

As a pioneering leader in advanced separation technologies, Komline has established a global reputation for engineering excellence. Through our combination of innovative design, cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, and decades of industry experience, we consistently deliver the highest quality equipment from our integrated manufacturing facilities. Serving our core markets of Water & Process, Agricultural & Renewables, and Industrials, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive separation solutions precisely tailored to our clients' requirements. With a strong track record of strategic growth and acquisitions, Komline continues to expand its solution portfolio and technical capabilities while maintaining our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

About the Opportunity:

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-performing production environment. This role drives operational excellence by overseeing production, workforce performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while partnering with cross-functional teams to meet customer commitments and business objectives. Success in this role is measured by maintaining a strong safety culture, delivering operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and achieving quality, productivity, and on-time delivery goals.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for supervisors, team leaders, and manufacturing personnel while fostering a culture of engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop production priorities, allocate labor and equipment resources, and optimize manufacturing capacity to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Partner with Operations, Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Service to coordinate production schedules, resolve operational challenges, and respond to changing business priorities.
• Monitor plant performance through key operational metrics and implement improvements that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve manufacturing flow.
• Lead workforce planning, recruiting, employee development, performance management, and succession planning in partnership with Human Resources.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, required permits, employee training, incident investigations, and corrective actions while partnering with Corporate Safety to continuously improve plant safety performance.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, and other continuous improvement initiatives that improve operational performance, workplace organization, and overall manufacturing effectiveness.
• Oversee facility maintenance, equipment reliability, capital improvements, and contractor activities to maintain a safe and productive manufacturing environment.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping, labor reporting, and workforce scheduling while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable labor regulations.
• Support purchasing and supplier coordination by ensuring critical materials, equipment, and production resources are available to maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Travel to other Komline locations as needed to support operations, share best practices, and assist with continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
• Seven or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for plant operations, production management, or multi-department supervision.
• Experience leading high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large hourly manufacturing workforces in a hands-on production environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, continuous improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience managing production scheduling, labor planning, capacity management, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, manufacturing safety programs, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning software, Microsoft Office, and ADP Workforce Now or similar timekeeping/payroll systems preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects while maintaining a high level of responsiveness and accountability.

Other: Physical Requirements, Travel, Duties:

• Frequently walk throughout a manufacturing facility, including production areas and outdoor environments.
• Stand, walk, bend, reach, climb stairs, and occasionally climb ladders while monitoring operations.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally between Komline manufacturing locations.
• This position has supervisory responsibilities and direct reports.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Komline is an EEO employer – M/F/Vets/Disabled