Plant Manager

Networks Connect; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Networks Connect seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead a high-volume manufacturing facility with 550,000+ sq ft and ~500 employees. You will drive production efficiency, technology integration, and continuous improvement, leveraging deep engineering expertise across operations.

Responsibilities include leading daily operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration with supply chain and sales to forecast demand and optimize performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; advanced degree a plus.
• 15-20 years in manufacturing with strong technical/engineering depth and leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations to ensure efficient production and on-time delivery.
• Translate business goals into actionable operational strategies and procedures.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, purchasing, and shipping.
• Lead staffing, scheduling, and performance across production teams.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Operations management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Syteline

Provia

Excel

Job description

Our client, a global leader in automation technology, is seeking an experienced Plant Manager with a strong technology and engineering background to lead operations at a 550,000+ square foot manufacturing facility, overseeing 15 direct reports and approximately 500 total employees. This role is responsible for driving production efficiency, technology integration, and continuous improvement in a high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Management

• Lead daily plant operations to ensure efficient production, resource utilization, and on-time delivery
• Translate business objectives into actionable operational strategies and procedures
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including production, quality, purchasing, and shipping
• Ensure optimal staffing, scheduling, and performance across all production teams

Strategic Planning & Process Optimization

• Identify and implement automation, process improvements, and technology upgrades, leveraging engineering expertise to evaluate feasibility and ROI
• Partner with supply chain and sales teams to forecast demand and align production
• Oversee ERP system improvements and data accuracy initiatives
• Lead long-term planning for facility growth, new product introductions, and operational scalability, applying engineering judgment to capital equipment and automation decisions
• Support budgeting and monitor plant-level financial performance
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and inventory optimization
• Partner with accounting and engineering teams to improve profitability and cost accuracy
• Deliver reporting and insights to senior leadership on operational and financial performance

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop production managers, supervisors, and plant personnel
• Build high-performing teams through training programs and performance management
• Support hiring and succession planning efforts
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning

Safety & Workplace Excellence

• Maintain a safe, compliant, and organized work environment
• Lead 5S and safety initiatives across the facility
• Ensure proper equipment operation and adherence to safety standards

Qualifications

Required Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related) required; advanced degree a plus
• 15-20 years of experience in manufacturing, with demonstrated technical/engineering depth alongside leadership roles in:
• Operations Management
• Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering
• Hands-on experience with automation systems, industrial equipment, or process/controls engineering strongly preferred

Core Skills

• Strong technical and engineering acumen - able to evaluate automation, tooling, and process technology at a hands-on level, not just from a management perspective
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and supply chain operations
• Proven leadership in continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and process optimization
• Experience with ERP systems and business software (e.g., Syteline, Provia, Excel)
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Combination of office (80%) and production floor (20%)
• Hands-on leadership role requiring visibility across operations and technical fluency with plant equipment
• Ability to engage directly in production and engineering processes when needed