Plant Manager

Keel; Jonesfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities

Shift Differentials

Overtime Potential

Paid on the Job Training

Certification Sponsorship Opportunites

Committed to Individual Career Growth

We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Job summary

Keel is seeking a manufacturing leader to direct operations across production teams, uphold safety standards, and improve efficiency. The role demands a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields and at least seven years of management in manufacturing, plus ERP literacy and lean manufacturing experience.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage staffing plans, and ensure on-time delivery of high‑quality components in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Materials or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of management experience in manufacturing/production.
• Experience with steel fabrication or related manufacturing a plus.
• Strong leadership, planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct manufacturing operations through a team of functional supervisors and leads.
• Ensure health and safety of all associates on the shop floor.
• Improve efficiency of manpower, materials, and machines.
• Develop and manage Lean manufacturing programs and cost reduction plans.
• Oversee training, policy development, and leadership development.
• Ensure on-time delivery while maintaining quality and cost controls.
• Prepare detailed reports for executive leadership and manage continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Finance

Bachelor’s degree in Materials

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP system

Job description

Description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands‑on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join Keel, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real‑world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

Directs manufacturing operations through a team of functional supervisors and/or lead associates. Ensures the health and safety of all associates is protected. Provides increasing levels of customer and employee satisfaction while improving the efficiency of manpower, materials, and machines.

Explore the Depth of the Role: (Job Duties/responsibilities)

• Manages environmental, health, and safety issues on the work floor.
• Responsible for housekeeping and 5-S initiatives in the production department.
• Manages the planning of personnel safety and protection activities consistent with.
• OSHA/IOSHA and all regulatory agency standards and guidelines and ensures all reporting associates are trained and comply.
• Ensures compliance with company standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete and on-time delivery.
• Develops and manages the operational flow of products throughout the facility.
• Manages policy development in the areas of Lean Manufacturing techniques, quality, cost reduction, complete and on-time delivery, safety, customer satisfaction, associate relations, visual controls, and factory performance measures.
• Develop and maintain programs that promote continuous improvement.
• Manages material requirements to increase inventory turns and maintain appropriate levels on hand to meet customer requirements.
• Provides detailed reports as required by the Vice President of Engineering.
• Manages associate training and development for work floor processes.
• Manages and develops a well‑motivated leadership team to ensure competent and professional supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, Materials or related field from an accredited college, university or technical school
• Minimum of 7 years of management experience in manufacturing/production settings. Steel plate cutting and forming (fabrication/processing) preferred.
• 7 years supervisory/managerial experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience listed above
• Outstanding and a proven track record of organizational planning, management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of environmental, health and safety requirements in a manufacturing/production setting.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software applications. Microsoft Excel experience is mandatory.
• Must be able to work extended shift if required.
• Proven experience in the planning of operational flow within a high pace environment with continuous change is required.
• Must be able to read blueprints.
• Must have experience working within an ERP system.

Travel Requirements:

• Occasional travel between facilities and customer sites as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly.
• May lift or carry 50lbs. Weights exceeding 50lbs will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

What Keel will build for you:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.