Plant Manager

Thermosafe Technologies Inc; Killingly (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

ThermoSafe is seeking a Plant Manager for its Putnam, CT facility. You will lead all plant operations in a safety-first manufacturing environment that supports temperature-controlled packaging for life sciences and related markets.

You will report to the VP of Manufacturing and drive operational excellence, financial performance, and a culture of high engagement. Responsibilities include safety culture, budget ownership, capital requests, and cross-functional partnership with Quality, Supply

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams through problem-solving, decisive execution, and accountability.
• Experience with budget ownership, capital project justification, and measurable improvements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to influence at all levels.
• Experience fostering high-performing, engaged teams in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Champion a proactive, zero-incident safety culture and ensure every team member returns home safely each day.
• Lead all daily manufacturing operations to meet production, quality, safety, cost, and on-time delivery targets.
• Develop and manage the plant’s annual operating budget and drive cost discipline.
• Prepare and justify capital authorization requests to support growth and reliability.
• Build a world-class maintenance program to maximize equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Cultivate strong employee relations and engage teams to develop and succeed.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

Budgeting

Operational excellence

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

LEAN/CI tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Putnam, CT, US

20 days ago Requisition ID: 1055

Location: Putnam, CT

Compensation: Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Position Summary

As Plant Manager at ThermoSafe’s Putnam, CT facility, you will lead all aspects of plant operations in a safety-first manufacturing environment that supports temperature-controlled packaging solutions for life sciences, healthcare, and other critical markets. Reporting directly to the VP of Manufacturing, you will drive operational excellence, financial performance, team engagement, quality, and continuous improvement while championing ThermoSafe’s core competencies: Business Knowledge, Communications, Customer Focus, Leadership/Teamwork/Collaboration, People Selection & Development, Innovation, and Execution/Accountability. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for a results-driven manufacturing professional who is energized by building strong teams, improving performance, and helping protect products that matter.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, operational excellence, and people leadership are key priorities at all times

• Champion a proactive, zero-incident safety culture and ensure every team member returns home safely each day.
• Lead all daily manufacturing operations to consistently meet production, quality, safety, cost, and on-time delivery targets.
• Develop and manage the plant’s annual operating budget, drive cost discipline, identify savings opportunities, and deliver strong financial performance.
• Prepare and justify capital authorization requests that support growth, modernization, operational reliability, and long‑term competitiveness.
• Build and sustain a world-class maintenance program that maximizes equipment reliability, minimizes unplanned downtime, and supports continuous improvement.
• Cultivate positive, productive employee relationships, drive high engagement, and create an environment where team members feel valued, developed, and empowered to succeed.
• Identify and implement lean, continuous improvement, and innovative solutions that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable safety, quality, environmental, and industry regulations, including FDA and GMP requirements critical to pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent through effective selection, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, and Corporate teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences and support business growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Operations Management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams through problem-solving, decisive execution, and accountability.
• Demonstrated success with budget ownership, capital project justification, and measurable operational improvements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels.
• Experience fostering high-performing, engaged teams in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Manufacturing leadership experience in cold chain, temperature-controlled packaging, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industries.
• Experience leading in a safety-first manufacturing culture with FDA, GMP, quality, and environmental compliance expectations.
• Background implementing lean, continuous improvement, maintenance excellence, and operational reliability initiatives.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This position requires regular standing and walking throughout the workday and involves repetitious duties in a manufacturing environment. Employees frequently use their hands and arms to perform job duties and may occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, speak, and hear. The role requires the ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds as needed.

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment that is not temperature controlled. Employees may be exposed to varying indoor temperatures and seasonal conditions typical of an industrial production setting. The work environment may also involve exposure to moving mechanical equipment, chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, and elevated noise levels. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory and hearing protection, may be required based on job assignments and work area conditions.