Plant Manager

gpac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

gpac is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations in Wisconsin. This role focuses on driving production performance, safety, quality, and profitability while building a strong leadership team.

You will oversee multi-shift operations, optimize workflows, manage budgets, and collaborate with engineering, quality, and maintenance to achieve throughput and on-time delivery. A strong background in metal fabrication or heavy manufacturing is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 5+ years supervising multiple departments or supervisors.
• Background in metal fabrication, welding, machining, or heavy manufacturing preferred.
• Experience overseeing multi-shift manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, production scheduling, labor management, and KPIs.
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cost reduction.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production supervisors, fostering accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production workflows.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, equipment utilization, and production schedules across shifts.
• Manage operating budgets, labor costs, and key performance metrics.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve throughput and on-time delivery.
• Partner with engineering, quality, maintenance, and other departments to achieve goals.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

Team development

ERP systems knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/manufacturing/operations

Tools

ERP software

Production scheduling software

Job description

Seeking an experienced, hands‑on Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, improve production performance, and develop a strong leadership team. This opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives on the plant floor, drives accountability, and knows how to balance productivity, quality, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop production supervisors while building a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production workflows.
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, equipment utilization, and production schedules across multiple shifts.
• Manage operating budgets, labor costs, and key performance metrics.
• Identify production bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve throughput and on-time delivery.
• Partner with engineering, quality, maintenance, and other departments to achieve operational goals.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including 5+ years managing supervisors or multiple departments.
• Background in metal fabrication, welding, machining, or heavy manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Experience overseeing multi‑shift manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, production scheduling, labor management, and manufacturing KPIs.
• Proven success with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cost reduction.
• Strong leadership, problem‑solving, and team development skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, operations, or related field preferred.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without restriction and without the need for current or future sponsorship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.