Plant Manager

SkyWater Search Partners; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a Minnesota facility. The role focuses on driving continuous improvement, safety, quality, and accountability across metal fabrication and machining processes.

You will develop systems, optimize processes, and build high-performing teams in a complex manufacturing environment with multiple customers and product lines.

Qualifications

• Experience leading plant operations in metal fabrication environments.
• Proven ability to implement Lean principles and drive efficiency.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, maintenance and supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across shifts to meet safety, quality, cost and delivery goals.
• Oversee metal fabrication, machining, welding and related processes.
• Develop and improve processes, procedures and performance metrics.
• Partner with planning, scheduling, maintenance and engineering to boost plant performance.
• Drive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Establish a safety culture with engagement and accountability.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Metal fabrication

Cross-functional leadership

ERP systems

Continuous improvement

Job description

We are partnering with an established industrial manufacturer to identify an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement across the organization.

This individual will be responsible for overseeing daily production activities, developing manufacturing processes, improving operational efficiency, and building a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in industrial metal fabrication and machining, proven leadership experience, and a demonstrated ability to develop systems, improve processes, and build high-performing teams in a complex manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple shifts, ensuring production, safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives are achieved.
• Oversee manufacturing processes including metal fabrication, machining, welding, cutting, forming, and related operations.
• Develop, implement, and improve manufacturing processes, operating procedures, and performance management systems.
• Partner with production planning, scheduling, supply chain, maintenance, and engineering to improve overall plant performance.
• Drive improvements in preventative maintenance, equipment reliability, downtime reduction, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and reinforce a strong safety culture through employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, optimize labor utilization, and strengthen manufacturing performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and manufacturing teams.
• Support automation initiatives, equipment improvements, and manufacturing technology investments.
• Apply Lean manufacturing principles to improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Establish operational KPIs and accountability measures to track performance and drive sustainable improvements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on capacity planning, operational strategy, and long-term growth initiatives.

Desired Skills And Experience

• Manufacturing leadership experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or similar.
• Strong background in industrial metal fabrication and machining, including welding, cutting, forming, and related processes.
• Proven ability to build and improve manufacturing systems, processes, and teams.
• Experience driving Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, safety, and operational performance.
• Strong cross-functional leadership experience working with engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain.
• Experience in OEM contract manufacturing, industrial components, heavy equipment, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Ability to manage complex production environments with multiple customers, product lines, and varying production volumes.
• Experience implementing preventative maintenance programs, ERP systems, automation, or scalable manufacturing processes.