Plant Manager

Standex Engraving; Kelly (WY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Standex Engraving is launching a new automotive interior soft trim and plastic injection molding facility in Fraser, MI. The Plant Manager will lead all plant and production management, building a high‑performance team and driving continuous improvement from the ground up.

Responsibilities include ensuring safety and quality, coordinating with maintenance and quality teams, and driving on-time delivery while managing P&L within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Manufacturing/Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of operational management experience in automotive interior manufacturing.
• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; startup experience desired.
• Experience deploying and validating new processes in highly automated production environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations including production, quality, safety, maintenance and logistics to meet goals.
• Partner with Leadership to develop multi-year plan for part production business.
• Plan, coordinate and control manufacturing processes to meet targets and deadlines.
• Lead, coach and develop department leads, supervisors and operators.

Skills

Leadership

GD&T

Lean manufacturing

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing/Engineering or related field

Tools

Production management software

Job description

Position: Plant Manager

Location: Fraser, MI Status: Full-time, exempt Reports to: Vice President, Standex Engraving North America

Summary

Standex Engraving is launching a new, state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim part manufacturing facility in Fraser, MI. This is a (relatively) small-scale operation designed to augment our other offerings in the space, including engraving and soft trim tooling. As a start-up operation, we seek a dynamic Plant Manager to lead all aspects of plant and production management. This role combines traditional plant management with hands‑on oversight of plastic injection molding operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality, and safe production of automotive components. The Plant Manager will be instrumental in building a high-performance team, establishing processes, and driving continuous improvement from the ground up.

Essential duties:

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics, to achieve operational, financial, and productivity goals.
• Utilize innovative capabilities to successfully execute part production operation. Partnering with Leadership and Launch Manager in developing multi-year strategic plan for part production business.
• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to ensure production targets and customer deadlines are met.
• Lead, coach, and develop department leads, production supervisors, and operators, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement process improvements for plastic injection molding operations.
• Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.) and enforce company policies with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Maintain production reports, analyze data, and recommend process optimization strategies.
• Manage site P&L, operating within budget and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Approve maintenance work, equipment purchases, and coordinate shipments with logistics and customers.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and schedules, track and approve paid time off, hours worked, and manage personnel matters including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, development, training, performance management, retention, and terminations (partnering with local HR).
• Drive proactive actions to foster employee engagement and ensure a respectful, ethical work environment.
• Communicate effectively with customers, upper management, and internal teams regarding production timing, quality, and delivery.
• Models company policies and values, promotes a positive work environment. Champions safety and quality initiatives, culture surveys, and recognition programs
• Miscellaneous duties in support of successful business operation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).

• 3+ years of operational management experience in manufacturing, Class A soft trim automotive interior manufacturing, including edge‑folding and finesse operations.
• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; prior experience with start‑up desirable.
• Experience deploying, qualifying and validating new processes in a highly automated production environment

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proactive approach, ability to prioritize and act with a sense of urgency.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change and willingness to constantly learn and adapt
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and experimental design
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and solve technical challenges using first principles
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Highly knowledgeable of quality standards and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in MS Office and production management software.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, walking, standing, reaching, bending, operating a computer keyboard, and other physical requirements to execute essential duties