Plant Manager

Industrial Pallet Corporation; Indiana; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Job summary

Industrial Pallet Corporation in Indiana seeks a Plant Manager to lead IPC’s Remington facility, directing daily operations and a team of up to 60. You’ll own safety, quality, productivity, and profitability while building a strong culture aligned with IPC’s values.

The role emphasizes leadership, accountability, and continuous improvement across all production functions. The ideal candidate has at least five years in plant leadership, a hands-on approach, and a track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of plant management or manufacturing leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop people and drive results.
• Strong leadership with a focus on culture and core values.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of IPC’s Remington plant and ensure safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Build and develop a strong leadership team and hold people accountable.
• Maintain 2–3 days of finished goods inventory ahead of demand to ensure on-time delivery.
• Identify inefficiencies and drive improvements to reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Maintain SOPs and accurate operational records, reports, and production data.

Skills

Manufacturing Leadership

Team Development

Accountability

Operational Planning

Problem-Solving

Safety & Quality

Continuous Improvement

Culture & Values

Job description

At IPC, we don't just manufacture pallets - we build teams, communities, and partnerships that last. Our mission is simple: to be the* TEAM of CHOICE* for our PEOPLE and PARTNER of CHOICE for our* CUSTOMERS*. We are driven by operational excellence, safety, and the belief that strong leadership and strong culture go hand-in-hand.

What You'll Do

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of IPC’s Remington plant, an approximately $18 million operation with up to 60 team members. This role is accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and profitability while ensuring the plant operates efficiently and meets its performance goals.

We are looking for a hands-on manufacturing leader with a minimum of five years of plant management or manufacturing leadership experience who can lead teams, develop people, solve problems, and drive results. Beyond operational performance, this person will serve as the culture leader for the plant, building a strong, high-functioning team that lives IPC’s core values and supports our mission of being the TEAM of choice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Culture

• Build and develop a strong leadership team by putting the right people in the right roles and holding them accountable.
• Promote IPC’s core values and lead efforts to overcome the five enemies of team unity.
• Develop employees, delegate effectively, and foster teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Reduce turnover by 50% each year until the plant achieves an annual turnover rate below 35%.

Safety and Fire Prevention

• Maintain a strong safety culture with a goal of zero reportable injuries.
• Proactively identify and address workplace hazards and fire risks.
• Ensure team members follow established safety procedures and practices.

Quality and On-Time Delivery

• Ensure pallets meet customer specifications and establish quality standards.
• Address quality issues promptly and implement corrective actions, using Corrective Action Requests (CARs) to track and resolve issues.
• Maintain production and inventory levels that support on-time delivery, targeting 2–3 days of finished goods inventory ahead of demand.

Productivity, Efficiency, and Profitability

• Meet or exceed budgeted net income percentage (NI%) and raw material efficiency goals.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement improvements that reduce costs and increase productivity.
• Manage plant resources effectively while maintaining production, quality, and delivery standards.
• Monitor plant performance and take action when results fall short of established goals.

Record Keeping and Accountability

• Ensure operational records, reports, and production data are accurate and completed on time.
• Hold team members accountable for following established processes and procedures.
• Communicate process changes, expectations, and priorities clearly and consistently.

Housekeeping and Maintenance

• Maintain high housekeeping standards, including clean floors and machinery at the end of every shift.
• Lead and support the maintenance team in keeping equipment safe, reliable, and in good operating condition.
• Work toward a goal of 98% uptime on all major manufacturing machinery.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Establish consistent, sustainable processes and document them in standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Improve workflows and resource utilization to reduce inefficiencies and support long‑term plant performance.

Key Performance Targets

• Quality: Track, address, and prevent recurring issues through Corrective Action Requests (CARs).
• Delivery: Maintain finished goods inventory 2–3 days ahead of demand.
• Productivity and Profitability: Meet or exceed budgeted NI% and raw material efficiency goals.
• Equipment Uptime: Target 98% uptime on all major manufacturing machinery.
• Turnover: Reduce turnover by 50% each year until the annual rate is below 35%.

What We're Looking For

• Manufacturing Leadership: Minimum of five years of plant management or manufacturing leadership experience, with the ability to manage daily operations and drive results.
• Team Development: Demonstrated ability to develop employees, build effective teams, and hold people accountable.
• Accountability and Execution: Strong follow-through, effective delegation, and the ability to ensure expectations and commitments are met.
• Operational Planning: Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage production schedules, shop planning, and operational documentation.
• Problem-Solving: A practical, solutions-oriented approach with the ability to prioritize issues, make sound decisions, and follow through on improvements.
• Safety and Quality: Working knowledge of safety, quality, and fire-prevention practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Ability to identify inefficiencies, improve processes, and increase productivity and profitability.
• Culture and Values: A commitment to building a strong team, promoting IPC’s core values, and creating an environment where employees can succeed.

Why Join Us

• Stable, growing company with long-term opportunity
• Training and development to help you succeed
• A team culture focused on respect, accountability, and shared purpose
• Full benefits package, including:
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Disabilityand AD&D Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Referral Bonus Available

Our Mission, Vision and Core Values

At IPC, our mission, vision, and core values guide how we lead, work together, and serve our team members and customers. As Plant Manager, you will play an important role in bringing these to life by leading by example, developing your team, and creating an environment where people can succeed.

Our Mission

To be the team of choice for our people and partner of choice for our customers and vendors.

Our Vision

Support products across the globe with the most innovative, efficient, and renewable delivery systems.

Our Core Values

• Attitude: Be positive, humble, and solution oriented.
• Respect: Treat everyone with respect and value each person.
• Effort: Give your best. Every time.