Plant Manager

Bernard Nickels & Associates; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the Motion Drives sector is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee operations in New Berlin, WI, with a hybrid work model. This role requires strong leadership and communication skills, along with a Bachelor's degree and significant experience in engineering or technology. The Plant Manager will manage local divisions and ensure operational efficiency while fostering a collaborative site culture. Competitive compensation includes a base salary of $175,000 to $230,000 and potential bonuses.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in Engineering or Technologies.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and Finance preferred.
• Strong skills in fostering collaboration and trust.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary representative for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee operational excellence with third-party logistics.
• Manage facility operations and drive sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Change Management

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

Job Title: Plant Manager (or "Site Leader")

Job Type: Full Time, Direct Hire

Reports To: VP, U.S. Country Holding Officer

Location: New Berlin, WI (HYBRID role; onsite 3 days per week)

Compensation: $175,000 to $230,000 (base salary range) + up to 45% Bonus

Company Overview: Our global client serves their industrial and infrastructure customers with world-class Motion Drives and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). With these products, along with their global scale & local presence, they help their customers to improve energy efficiency, productivity, and safety.

Position Overview:

In this role, you will be responsible for acting as the Plant Manager (or "Site Leader") for our client's US Motion Drives Business. You will have oversight of local divisions located in New Berlin, WI (primary), Louisville, KY, and Portland, MA. The Plant Manager will also provide support with common Finance processes, reporting, and efficiencies for the US Motion Drives division of the company. Directly reporting into this role is the Warehouse Manager, Facilities Manager, IS Manager, and HR Manager (with indirect reporting and oversight for the 3rd Party Logistics organization and three local divisions).

Primary Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary company representative for internal and external stakeholders, including city officials and other authorities.

• Experience in facilitating collaboration across different businesses/divisions/product groups, etc. in support of a common approach to the site setup and culture.

• Strong skills in communicating with all stakeholders, including employees, management, and external partners, to ensure transparency and address any concerns during the transition.

• Define and maintain accurate and fair allocation keys for shared activities.

• Ensure HR and Finance adhere to company policies, labor laws, and Accounting standards.

• Support and drive Motion Finance projects and act as liaison for Motion US Finance organization.

• Oversee operational excellence with third-party logistics (3PL), prioritizing business needs and projects.

• The ability to foresee and plan for the long-term financial implications of the move, ensuring that the transition aligns with overall strategic goals.

• Expertise in operational efficiency in managing resources and processes to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and productivity.

• Manage facility operations at local plant and warehouse and drive short-, mid-, and long-term development initiatives to drive and support sustainability goals.

• Manage local IS function related to common site systems, programs and IT infrastructure, including oversight of third-party IT providers.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or other related/similar field.

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, working in an Engineering or Technologies organization.

• Senior leadership experience in fostering a site culture of collaboration and trust based on a common people strategy.

• Excellent communication, organization, and people leadership skills.

• Experience in leading or having heavy interaction with HR.

• Demonstrated strengths in the areas of strategic thinking, change management, emotional intelligence, and coaching & development.

• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives (preferred).

• Experience in Finance (preferred).