Plant Manager

WaveCrest Staffing Group; Tolleson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

WaveCrest Staffing Group seeks a Plant Manager to own daily plant operations in Tolleson, AZ, leading production supervisors and staff across foam and paper converting lines. You will drive volume, quality, and safety while reducing scrap and downtime.

The role requires 5+ years in plant leadership within automotive, packaging, or plastics, with an engineering mindset and hands-on thermoforming/paper-converting experience. Direct-hire position with a salary in the $120k–$150k range plus bonus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Plant Manager in a manufacturing environment.
• Engineering background with solid operations management experience running a sizeable plant.
• Hands-on experience with plastics thermoforming and/or paper converting.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead production across foam, paper cup, and lid lines to meet daily output and quality goals.
• Optimize thermoforming and converting equipment to reduce scrap and boost throughput.
• Manage a team of supervisors and shop floor staff, with direct leadership at multiple levels.
• Champion a strong safety culture with a goal of zero injuries and incidents.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules across foam and paper equipment and manage inventories.

Skills

Plant management

Lean manufacturing

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

Plastics thermoforming

Paper converting

Job description

The Plant Manager will take full ownership of daily plant operations, leading a team of production supervisors and staff across integrated foam and paper converting lines. You'll be responsible for hitting volume and quality targets, driving down scrap and downtime, and building a plant culture centered on safety and continuous improvement.

Location: Tolleson, AZ | Hours: M-F 8-5 | Type: Direct-hire | Compensation: $120-150k/year with Bonus

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production across foam, paper cup, and lid manufacturing lines to meet daily output and quality goals
• Optimize thermoforming and converting equipment to reduce scrap and boost throughput
• Manage a team of supervisors and shop floor personnel, with several direct reports at the leadership level
• Champion a strong safety culture with a goal of zero recordable and lost-time injuries
• Control raw material costs and manage inventory of resins, paperboard, and inks
• Maintain consistent product quality for food service customers, minimizing complaints and quality-related business loss
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant
• Coordinate maintenance schedules across foam and paper production equipment
• Partner with sales and supply chain on scheduling and new product introductions
• Ensure compliance with GMP, food safety, HACCP, and SQF standards
• Develop and train team members at all levels, building bench strength for succession

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience as a Plant Manager in a manufacturing environment
• Background in automotive, packaging, or plastics manufacturing strongly preferred
• Engineering background with solid operations management experience running a sizable plant
• Hands-on experience with plastics thermoforming and/or paper converting
• Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred
• Strong mechanical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Lean manufacturing experience a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A self-motivated, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment