Plant Manager

Seaga; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in vending solutions seeks a Plant Manager for their Kearneysville, WV facility. This role involves overseeing production operations, ensuring quality and safety standards, and developing a high-performance team. Candidates should have 7–10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. This full-time position offers opportunities to drive operational improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial production.
• Expertise in assembly operations including mechanical components.
• Strong understanding of facility optimization and process flow.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant activities and production planning.
• Ensure adherence to product quality standards and safety regulations.
• Lead and develop a high-performance production team.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving

Operational efficiency

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Direct message the job poster from Seaga

Since 1997, Automated Merchandising Systems (AMS) has been a driving force in the vending industry, transforming the market with game-changing technology and building a reputation for innovation, reliability, and dependability. In 2022, AMS joined forces with Seaga Manufacturing, creating a powerful partnership that blends a strong legacy with bold innovation.

We are seeking a results-driven Plant Manager to lead operations at our vending machine manufacturing facility in Kearneysville, WV. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence — ensuring efficient production workflows, fostering a safe and compliant workplace, and delivering high-quality products on time and within budget. The Plant Manager will oversee strategic planning and hands-on leadership across production, quality, maintenance, inventory, and logistics, while building and developing a high-performance team.

If you’re a proven leader with a strong operational mindset, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for developing people, we want to hear from you. Apply to join us in shaping the future of the vending industry!

Key Responsibilities:

• Production & Operations Management: Oversee all daily plant activities, including production planning, scheduling, mechanical and electromechanical assembly, welding, sheet metal fabrication, testing, and packaging, and shipping.
• Drive operational efficiency and maximize machine utilization, labor productivity, and material usage.
• Coordinate with planning and materials management to ensure proper inventory levels and timely fulfillment of customer orders.
• Ensure production targets, delivery schedules, and product quality standards are consistently met or exceeded.
• Lead production team and maintain open communication with supervisors, team leads, and operators across all shifts.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to product quality standards and customer specifications.
• Support implementation and maintenance of quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
• Work with the Quality team to investigate root causes of quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct routine audits and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and OSHA/EPA regulations.

• Leadership & Team Development: Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and employee engagement.
• Directly supervise and develop a team of production supervisors, technicians, and hourly staff.
• Identify skills gaps and implement cross-training programs to build bench strength and operational flexibility.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities for plant staff at all levels.
• Champion continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies.
• Analyze production data and KPIs to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and optimize process flow.
• Lead Kaizen events and improvement projects to enhance safety, quality, and throughput.
• Work with engineering to streamline work instructions, layouts, tooling, and processes.
• Develop and manage plant operating budgets, including labor, equipment, materials, and maintenance expenses.
• Forecast staffing needs, overtime requirements, and resource allocation based on order volume.
• Evaluate capital equipment needs and support justification and implementation of new investments.
• Monitor energy usage, scrap rates, and other cost drivers to deliver financial performance goals.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with Engineering on manufacturability, new product introduction (NPI), and design for assembly.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Logistics to manage vendor relationships, raw material deliveries, and inventory control.
• Support the Sales and Customer Service teams with updates on lead times, production schedules, and custom order requirements.
• Work with IT and HR on system enhancements, employee engagement initiatives, and compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in overseeing complex assembly operations, preferably involving metal fabrication, wiring, and mechanical components.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, process flow, equipment layout, and facility optimization.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Great Plains, SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret data, spot trends, and implement effective solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and production reporting tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams and manage change.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in vending machine, appliance, or durable goods manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or other formal quality systems.
• Certification in Lean and/or Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher).
• Familiarity with welding, HVAC systems, refrigeration, or vending-related mechanical systems is a plus.

Working Conditions:

• On-site role based in a manufacturing facility.
• Requires regular walking, standing, and exposure to production floor environments (noise, temperature changes, machinery).
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Occasional travel may be required for vendor visits, offsite meetings, or cross-plant collaboration.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Production, Management, and Strategy/Planning

Industries: Food and Beverage Services