Plant Manager

ALKEGEN; North Augusta (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen seeks a transformational Plant Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations, drive efficiency, and champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and a track record in large-scale transformations, lean manufacturing, and cross-functional collaboration with R&D and Commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher in engineering or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, 5+ in a senior plant role.
• Proven track record in large-scale transformations and culture change.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations to ensure safety, quality, and productivity.
• Implement health, safety and environmental programs across the facility.
• Define and execute the annual business plan aligned with company goals.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce costs and variability in manufacturing.
• Develop leaders, coach teams, and foster a high‑performance culture.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

P&L management

Strategic planning

Team development

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

ERP systems

Process automation

Job description

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

Job Requirements

Why work for us?

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we’re delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before.

With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry’s most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.

Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we’re always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with us!

Position Overview

We are looking for a transformational leader to spearhead operational changes and lead our plant through a new era of efficiency, innovation, and workforce engagement. The Plant Manager will be responsible for overseeing all daily manufacturing operations while championing process improvements, implementing best‑in‑class manufacturing practices, and fostering a high‑performance team culture.

This role requires a strategic and hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, embraces challenges, and can successfully implement change management initiatives to elevate our plant’s productivity, safety, and long‑term sustainability.

Responsibilities

The Plant Manager will oversee all operational aspects of the facility, ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality while driving continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead all plant operations, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and high performance.
• Implement and oversee a comprehensive health, safety, and environmental management program.
• Ensure compliance with accredited quality management systems, consistently meeting customer expectations for product quality and supply.
• Define and drive the plant’s vision and strategy, focusing on continuous improvement to support business growth.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan aligned with company objectives, including achievement of financial and operational goals.
• Establish and maintain systems to monitor and minimise costs while improving quality and reducing variability in manufacturing.
• Champion change management initiatives, effectively leading individuals and teams through transitions.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across all functional levels, addressing performance gaps proactively.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through training, coaching, and mentorship programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Optimise manufacturing processes to reduce costs, improve product quality, and enhance overall efficiency.
• Oversee facility protection, including fire protection, emergency preparedness, loss control, and asset management.
• Utilise lean principles and hands‑on leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Commercial and R&D teams on new product development, introduction, and process enhancements.
• Foster a culture of accountability with open and honest feedback at all organisational levels.
• Ensure talent acquisition, training, and development programs are in place, regularly coaching direct reports.

Requirements

Education:

• A degree in engineering or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior plant leadership role.
• Proven track record in large-scale transformations and cultural change initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate high‑performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, cost control, and capital expenditures.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience in process engineering, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills in a complex, fast‑paced environment.
• A background in technical textiles, advanced materials and automotive / aerospace is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Inspirational leadership with a commitment to integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards.
• Results‑driven management style with a strong ability to implement change and drive performance.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Experience in developing leaders and fostering a culture focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.

At Alkegen, we strive every day to help people – ALL PEOPLE – breathe easier, live greener and go further than ever before. We believe that diversity and inclusion is central to this mission and to our impact. Our diverse and inclusive culture drives our growth & innovation and we nurture it by actively embracing our differences and using our varied perspectives to solve the complex challenges facing our changing and diverse world.

Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, nation of origin, religion, color, gender identity and expression, age, disability, education, opinions, culture, languages spoken, veteran’s status, or any other protected class.