Plant Manager

Pacific International Executive Search; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Executive Search seeks a Plant Manager to lead a high-volume manufacturing operation within its North American network. The role reports to senior leadership, overseeing safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people development while partnering with engineering, maintenance, and supply chain to boost performance and culture.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, a bachelor’s in engineering or related field, and a proven track record with Lean/CI, change

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Prior plant leadership or multi-department leadership preferred.
• Strong background in safety, quality, operational excellence, and manufacturing performance management.
• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced, or continuous manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to lead change, build high-performing teams, and drive accountability.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations across safety, quality, production, cost, and delivery performance.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on throughput, efficiency, waste reduction, and asset utilization.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and regulatory standards.
• Improve plant performance through Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem solving methodologies.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to improve operational stability and site execution.
• Drive productivity improvements across labor, yield, inventory, and overhead performance.
• Lead site-level continuous improvement initiatives including A3 problem solving, Lean projects, and process optimization efforts.
• Develop and mentor leadership teams while driving accountability, engagement, and frontline ownership throughout the facility.
• Support capital improvement and operational investment initiatives aligned with long-term plant objectives.
• Act as a key leader within the broader manufacturing network and contribute to overall operational strategy and execution.

Skills

Leadership

Lean/CI experience

Safety & Quality

Communication

Change Management

Team Building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

A global manufacturer is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a critical manufacturing operation within its North American network. The organization is continuing to invest heavily in operational performance, safety, and continuous improvement across its manufacturing sites.

This role will serve as the senior operational leader for the facility, with responsibility across production, safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people development. The Plant Manager will partner closely with engineering, maintenance, and supply chain leadership to improve operational efficiency, drive plant performance, and build a strong site culture.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity within a fast paced manufacturing environment, ideal for someone who enjoys leading teams, driving accountability, and improving operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations across safety, quality, production, cost, and delivery performance
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on throughput, efficiency, waste reduction, and asset utilization
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and regulatory standards
• Improve plant performance through Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem solving methodologies
• Partner cross functionally with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to improve operational stability and site execution
• Drive productivity improvements across labor, yield, inventory, and overhead performance
• Lead site level continuous improvement initiatives including A3 problem solving, Lean projects, and process optimization efforts
• Develop and mentor leadership teams while driving accountability, engagement, and frontline ownership throughout the facility
• Support capital improvement and operational investment initiatives aligned with long term plant objectives
• Act as a key leader within the broader manufacturing network and contribute to overall operational strategy and execution

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience within industrial or manufacturing environments
• Prior plant leadership or multi department operational leadership experience preferred
• Strong background in safety, quality, operational excellence, and manufacturing performance management
• Experience within high volume, fast paced, or continuous manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives
• Ability to lead change, build high performing teams, and drive operational accountability
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem solving capabilities
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field preferred

About Pacific International Executive Search:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.