Plant Manager

MKS Inc.; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MKS Atotech in Rock Hill, SC is seeking a Plant Manager to lead the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the manufacturing facility. You will drive operational excellence across manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/logistics and supply chain, reporting to the Director of Operations.

The role requires 5+ years of manufacturing leadership, a relevant bachelor's degree, and strong Lean/CI, root-cause analysis, Kaizen, and cross-functional collaboration skills to deliver top-notch

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, operations, or business required.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Proven experience with root cause analysis using 8D, 5 Whys, and structured problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost objectives.
• Translate regional priorities into site-level operational plans and drive accountability for results.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements while promoting zero incidents.
• Lead manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/logistics, and supply chain execution to meet customer demand and service levels.
• Manage operating costs, support budgeting and capital planning, and identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Develop and mentor supervisors and employees into a high-performing, engaged workforce.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, EHS, Quality, HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to achieve objectives.
• Lead root-cause investigations (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Facilitate Kaizen events focused on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, cost, and waste reduction.

Skills

Leadership experience

Manufacturing operations

Lean Manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Kaizen events

Financial acumen

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations, or Business

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Plant Manager at MKS Atotech, you will lead the safe, compliant and efficient operation of the Rock Hill manufacturing facility through a visible, hands-on leadership approach while driving operational excellence across manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/logistics and supply chain functions. You will be responsible for achieving performance objectives related to safety, quality, delivery cost, employee engagement, and continuous improvement while collaborating across a highly matrixed organization. You will champion Lean Manufacturing principles, lead structured problem-solving initiatives, and partner with regional counterparts to drive operational excellence and business results. In this role, you will report to the Director of Operations.

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As a Plant Manager at MKS Atotech, you will lead the safe, compliant and efficient operation of the Rock Hill manufacturing facility through a visible, hands-on leadership approach while driving operational excellence across manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/logistics and supply chain functions. You will be responsible for achieving performance objectives related to safety, quality, delivery cost, employee engagement, and continuous improvement while collaborating across a highly matrixed organization. You will champion Lean Manufacturing principles, lead structured problem-solving initiatives, and partner with regional counterparts to drive operational excellence and business results. In this role, you will report to the Director of Operations.

You Will Make an Impact By:

Principal Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost objectives.
• Translate regional and business priorities into executable site-level operational plans and drive accountability for results.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements while championing a culture of zero incidents.
• Lead manufacturing, maintenance, warehouse/logistics, and supply chain execution to meet customer demand and service expectations.
• Manage operating costs, support budgeting and capital planning activities, and identify cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities.
• Develop and lead supervisors and employees while fostering a high performing, engaged, and accountable workforce.
• Partner effectively with Sales, Customer Service, EHS, Quality, HR, Finance, and other stakeholders within a matrixed organization to achieve business objectives.
• Lead structured root cause investigations utilizing methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone analysis and ensure sustainable corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Facilitate and lead Kaizen events focused on safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, cost, and waste reduction improvements.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the site while utilizing data and visual management systems to improve performance.
• Collaborate with regional and global manufacturing counterparts to share best practices, benchmark performance, and implement common operational excellence initiatives.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs to maximize equipment reliability, uptime, and asset performance.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 10 % of Travel is required.

Skills You Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Operations, Business, or a related discipline, OR equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within chemical, process, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing supervisors and/or functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain, maintenance, warehouse/logistics, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience leading Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Proven expertise in root cause analysis utilizing 8D, 5 Whys, corrective action systems, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Strong financial, business, and operational acumen.

Supervisory Scope:

• Reporting Relationships: Direct leadership of Manufacturing, Maintenance/Facilities, Warehouse/Logistics, and Supply Chain supervisors. Indirect responsibility for approximately 20-50+ employees.
• Financial Responsibilities: Responsible for plant operating costs, budget performance, productivity improvements, inventory management, and capital planning activities.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Regular presence throughout manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, and office environments.
• Frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, and interaction with production equipment and personnel.
• Exposure to chemicals, industrial equipment, forklifts, and manufacturing operations requiring adherence to all safety policies and PPE requirements.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and work in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.