Plant Manager

LHH; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH in the Kansas City area seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead a newly expanding steel and aluminum processing facility. You will guide startup activities, build out operations, and hire and develop the plant team, driving safety, quality, and production excellence.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong experience in steel/aluminum processing, a track record of building high-performing teams, and the ability to transition a facility from warehousing to full manufacturing

Qualifications

• Experience as Plant Manager or senior manufacturing leader.
• Background in steel or aluminum processing.
• Proven startup/expansion leadership.
• Strong knowledge of operations, maintenance, safety, and quality.
• Experience with cost control and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations including production, shipping/receiving, and maintenance.
• Partner in startup activities including equipment installation and process setup.
• Drive production while upholding safety, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Maximize asset utilization and control operating costs.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals.
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop plant leadership and teams.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Identify waste, overtime, and inefficiencies through data analysis.
• Lead safety programs and ensure OSHA/ISO compliance.
• Collaborate with Quality, Sales, Procurement, Finance, HR.
• Maintain strong internal and external relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Safety leadership

Budget oversight

Job description

Plant Manager – Steel & Aluminum Manufacturing

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a newly expanding steel and aluminum processing facility in the Kansas City area. This role is a unique opportunity to join ahead of full production, playing a key role in overseeing construction, building out operations, and hiring and developing the plant team.

The Plant Manager will have full accountability for plant operations, safety, quality, production, maintenance, and people leadership, while helping transition the facility from warehousing and distribution into full manufacturing operations.

This is a hands‑on leadership role ideal for someone with a steel or aluminum processing background and a proven record of building strong teams and driving operational results.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee day‑to‑day plant operations, including production, shipping/receiving, and maintenance

Partner in facility startup activities, including equipment installation, process setup, and operational readiness

Drive production output while maintaining strict standards for quality, safety, and on‑time delivery

Maximize asset utilization and production flexibility while controlling operating costs

Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives

Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed

Recruit, hire, train, and develop plant leadership and production teams

Build a high‑performance, accountable plant culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement

Identify waste, overtime, and inefficiencies through data analysis and root‑cause problem solving

Lead and enforce all plant safety programs, holding teams accountable to standards

Ensure compliance with OSHA, ISO, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations

Conduct regular inspections of plant equipment, production areas, yards, and grounds

Partner closely with internal teams including Quality, Sales, Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources

Act with a customer‑first mindset, ensuring strong internal and external relationships

What We’re Looking For

Proven experience as a Plant Manager or senior manufacturing leader

Strong background in steel and/or aluminum processing environments

Demonstrated ability to lead through plant startup, expansion, or transformation

Solid understanding of plant operations, maintenance, safety, quality, inventory, and production flow

Strong people leadership skills, including hiring, performance management, and employee relations

Sound business and financial judgment, including cost control and budget oversight

Ability to lead by example and create a culture of accountability and engagement

Preferred Qualifications

8+ years of manufacturing experience (steel or aluminum preferred)

8+ years of progressive leadership experience

Experience working in ISO‑certified manufacturing environments

Strong working knowledge of OSHA safety requirements