Plant Manager

Rippling, Inc.; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Matching

Health Insurance

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

HSA: Company contribution

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Referral Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Summerset Marine Construction seeks a hands-on Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations in a fast-paced fabrication environment. You will own safety, production, quality, and people leadership while shaping long-term operational strategy.

You will drive lean initiatives, manage schedules, optimize labor and materials, and develop staff through coaching and goal setting. The role offers growth opportunities and a focus on delivering high-quality products on time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher preferred for leadership roles.
• Experience leading manufacturing teams and meeting safety, quality, and production goals.
• Proficiency in reading CAD drawings and understanding fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously improve the Manufacturing Plan with a focus on metrics and efficiency.
• Develop and manage production schedules aligned with demand and goals.
• Establish an effective manufacturing structure with clear staffing and responsibilities.
• Champion Lean, 5S, and PDCA to drive improvements.
• Collaborate with Sales and Service to coordinate schedules and project execution.
• Oversee inventory, supplier relationships, and cost controls.
• Support quality and safety programs and lead employee development.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

CAD reading

Communication

English proficiency

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CAD drawings

Job description

Summerset Marine Construction has been providing a full range of lakefront services to its customers in southeastern Wisconsin since 1990. As the largest pier and lift dealer in Wisconsin, Summerset has grown over the years along with its customers’ needs, able to provide the expertise and products necessary for the perfect waterfront solution. Servicing hundreds of clients from Madison to Milwaukee, Summerset Marine provides the highest level of expertise to design, install and support any pier and boat lift system, always on call for any service needs.

About the role

Summerset Marine Construction is seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations in a fast-paced fabrication environment. This role has full ownership of safety, production, quality, and people leadership while contributing to long-term operational strategy and company growth. If you thrive on building strong teams, driving continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality products on time, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

What you’ll do

• Lead and continuously improve the Manufacturing Plan, focusing on production metrics, labor efficiency, and process optimization.
• Develop and manage production schedules aligned with customer demand and internal goals.
• Establish and maintain an effective manufacturing organizational structure, including staffing levels and responsibilities.
• Champion Lean manufacturing, 5S, and PDCA problem-solving to drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Sales and Service teams to coordinate schedules, address production needs, and ensure smooth project execution.
• Conduct weekly reviews of production metrics, capacity, and forecasts to align with business objectives.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure cost efficiency, on-time delivery, and throughput performance.
• Oversee inventory management to prevent shortages or excess stock.
• Support and strengthen the company’s quality control system, ensuring all products meet established standards.
• Actively enforce and promote the safety program, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Develop employees through SMART goals, performance reviews, career planning, and cross-training.
• Apply financial acumen to manage labor rates, margins, and overall manufacturing costs.
• Establish, enforce, and improve standard operating procedures across manufacturing operations.
• Perform other duties as needed to support overall operational success.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing or fabrication leadership in similar role.
• Proven ability to lead teams and achieve production, safety, and quality goals.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting CAD drawings.
• Strong knowledge of steel and aluminum fabrication processes.
• Experience with employee scheduling, training, performance management, and discipline.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• OSHA knowledge and Lean manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

Work Behaviors

Quality of Work

• Consistently produces accurate work.

Commitment and Initiative

• Consistently demonstrates commitment to the Company's success and growth.
• Customer-focused (both internal and external customers).
• Can identify problems/issues and participate in problem resolution as appropriate for job level.
• Perseverance "can-do" attitude.

Managing Time and Resources

• Effectively and efficiently manages workload with an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet changing priorities and workload.
• Reliable and punctual.

Working with Others

• Is seen as a team player; gains trust by supporting colleagues; is a collaborator.
• Makes others better.

Development and Professional Skills

• Seeks and is open to feedback.
• Accountable for one’s own actions.
• Complies with company policies and procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Efforts

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
• Frequent walking around the production area is required.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs as needed for various plant tasks.
• Exposure to production environments may involve some physical effort, including lifting, standing, and walking for extended periods.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to other locations may be required for meetings or site inspections.
• 401(k) Matching: Generous company contribution to support your retirement goals.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Robust coverage options to keep you and your family healthy.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Receive a $1,000 company contribution when you enroll in a medical plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy time away to recharge and relax.
• Employee Referral Program: Earn rewards for referring top talent to our team.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your future with educational assistance to advance your skills.

The pay range for this role is:

80,000 - 90,000 USD per year (Lifetime Manufacturing)