Plant Manager

Komline; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Komline in Rockford, IL seeks a Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery. You will drive Lean initiatives, manage labor and equipment, and partner with engineering, supply chain, and service to meet customer commitments.

You will develop high-performing teams, monitor key metrics, and uphold OSHA compliance while steering continuous improvement and production excellence across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent leadership experience considered.
• Experience leading large hourly manufacturing workforces in a hands-on environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Kaizen, 6S and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for supervisors and manufacturing personnel.
• Develop production priorities, allocate labor and equipment resources, and optimize capacity to meet commitments.
• Coordinate production schedules with cross-functional teams (Operations, Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Service).
• Monitor plant performance via key metrics and implement improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Lead workforce planning, recruiting, development, performance management, and succession planning with HR.
• Ensure OSHA compliance, training, incident investigations, and corrective actions with Safety partners.
• Lead Lean initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, 6S) to improve flow and manufacturing effectiveness.
• Oversee maintenance, equipment reliability, capital projects, and contractor activities.
• Manage timekeeping, labor reporting, and scheduling in line with policies.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Operations management

Scheduling

Communication

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning software

MS Office

Job description

About The Role

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-performing production environment. This role drives operational excellence by overseeing production, workforce performance, safety, quality, and continuous improvement while partnering with cross-functional teams to meet customer commitments and business objectives. Success in this role is measured by maintaining a strong safety culture, delivering operational excellence, developing high-performing teams, and achieving quality, productivity, and on-time delivery goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance objectives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for supervisors, team leaders, and manufacturing personnel while fostering a culture of engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Develop production priorities, allocate labor and equipment resources, and optimize manufacturing capacity to meet customer delivery commitments.
• Partner with Operations, Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Service to coordinate production schedules, resolve operational challenges, and respond to changing business priorities.
• Monitor plant performance through key operational metrics and implement improvements that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve manufacturing flow.
• Lead workforce planning, recruiting, employee development, performance management, and succession planning in partnership with Human Resources.
• Champion a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, required permits, employee training, incident investigations, and corrective actions while partnering with Corporate Safety to continuously improve plant safety performance.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, and other continuous improvement initiatives that improve operational performance, workplace organization, and overall manufacturing effectiveness.
• Oversee facility maintenance, equipment reliability, capital improvements, and contractor activities to maintain a safe and productive manufacturing environment.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping, labor reporting, and workforce scheduling while maintaining compliance with company policies and applicable labor regulations.
• Support purchasing and supplier coordination by ensuring critical materials, equipment, and production resources are available to maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Travel to other Komline locations as needed to support operations, share best practices, and assist with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field preferred; equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.
• Seven or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including responsibility for plant operations, production management, or multi-department supervision.
• Experience leading high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations is preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large hourly manufacturing workforces in a hands-on production environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, continuous improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience managing production scheduling, labor planning, capacity management, and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, manufacturing safety programs, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning software, Microsoft Office, and ADP Workforce Now or similar timekeeping/payroll systems preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects while maintaining a high level of responsiveness and accountability.

Other: Physical Requirements, Travel, Supervisory Duties:

• Frequently walk throughout a manufacturing facility, including production areas and outdoor environments.
• Stand, walk, bend, reach, climb stairs, and occasionally climb ladders while monitoring operations.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in manufacturing environments.
• Ability to travel occasionally between Komline manufacturing locations.
• This position has supervisory responsibilities and direct reports.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Komline is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled