Plant Manager

Keel; Merrill (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Job summary

Keel seeks a seasoned manufacturing leader to direct operations across a steel fabrication/shipbuilding environment. You will supervise a leadership team, ensure safety, and optimize manpower and equipment to meet critical delivery demands.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering/finance/materials, 7+ years of manufacturing management, and fluency in ERP systems and Excel. Travel between facilities is occasional; the company offers strong benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, Materials or related field
• Minimum of 7 years of management experience in manufacturing/production settings; steel fabrication/processing experience preferred
• 7 years supervisory/managerial experience; able to read blueprints and work with ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Directs manufacturing operations through a team of supervisors and lead associates
• Ensures health and safety of all associates
• Develops and manages lean programs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Plans and optimizes material flow, manpower, and equipment utilization
• Ensures on-time delivery while controlling costs and quality

Skills

Leadership

Operations planning

Lean Manufacturing

Microsoft Excel

ERP experience

Blueprint reading

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/ Finance/ Materials

Tools

ERP system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

for You. Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands‑on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

Description Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You. Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands‑on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing. That means when you join Keel, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real‑world results. We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission Directs manufacturing operations through a team of functional supervisors and/or lead associates. Ensures the health and safety of all associates is protected. Provides increasing levels of customer and employee satisfaction while improving the efficiency of manpower, materials, and machines.

Explore the Depth of the Role (Job Duties/responsibilities)

• Manages environmental, health, and safety issues on the work floor.
• Responsible for housekeeping and 5-S initiatives in the production department.
• Manages the planning of personnel safety and protection activities consistent with.
• OSHA/IOSHA and all regulatory agency standards and guidelines and ensures all reporting associates are trained and comply.
• Ensures compliance with company standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, and complete and on‑time delivery.
• Develops and manages the operational flow of products throughout the facility.
• Manages policy development in the areas of Lean Manufacturing techniques, quality, cost reduction, complete and on‑time delivery, safety, customer satisfaction, associate relations, visual controls, and factory performance measures.
• Develop and maintain programs that promote continuous improvement.
• Manages material requirements to increase inventory turns and maintain appropriate levels on hand to meet customer requirements.
• Provides detailed reports as required by the Vice President of Engineering.
• Manages associate training and development for work floor processes.
• Manages and develops a well‑motivated leadership team to ensure competent and professional supervision.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements Mission Readiness:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, Materials or related field from an accredited college, university or technical school
• Minimum of 7 years of management experience in manufacturing/production settings. Steel plate cutting and forming (fabrication/processing) preferred.
• 7 years supervisory/managerial experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience listed above
• Outstanding and a proven track record of organizational planning, management, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of environmental, health and safety requirements in a manufacturing/production setting.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software applications. Microsoft Excel experience is mandatory.
• Must be able to work extended shift if required.
• Proven experience in the planning of operational flow within a high pace environment with continuous change is required.
• Must be able to read blueprints.
• Must have experience working within an ERP system.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel between facilities and customer sites as needed.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to stand, walk, sit, reach/pull/push with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel regularly.
• May lift or carry 50lbs. Weights exceeding 50lbs will require mechanical means to maneuver.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel Will Build For You

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance? If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.