Plant Manager - 26239

ZipRecruiter; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a strategic Manufacturing Plant Manager to oversee operations in Grand Rapids, MI. This role focuses on driving operational excellence through lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, managing all plant activities, and fostering a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience, a strong track record in lean environments, and the ability to influence diverse teams.

Qualifications

• 10 to 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 3 years in a plant or operations management role.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations to meet production goals.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee maintenance, engineering, and supply chain functions.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations

Bachelor's degree in Business

Tools

ERP

MES

Job description

Our client is seeking a strategic and hands-on Manufacturing Plant Manager to lead operations at their facility in Grand Rapids, MI. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone passionate about lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. The right candidate will bring both tactical expertise and forward-thinking leadership to drive operational excellence, optimize processes, and cultivate a high-performance culture on the production floor.

The role oversees all plant activities including production, safety, maintenance, quality, and supply chain coordination, and will play a critical role in scaling efficiency, minimizing waste, and aligning cross-functional teams under a unified operational vision.

What you'll do:

1. Lead and manage day-to-day plant operations to meet production goals while ensuring quality, safety, and cost-efficiency.
2. Champion lean manufacturing principles, embedding continuous improvement initiatives across all functional areas.
3. Develop and execute strategic plans that align with business objectives and operational excellence standards.
4. Manage, mentor, and develop supervisors, team leads, and production staff, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
5. Oversee and coordinate maintenance, engineering, and supply chain functions within the facility.
6. Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
7. Analyze performance metrics and implement data-driven solutions for process improvement and cost reduction.
8. Collaborate with senior leadership to identify investment opportunities in equipment, technology, and workforce capabilities.

Job Requirements

What you'll need:

1. 10 to 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a plant or operations management role.
2. Proven success in a lean manufacturing environment, with a strong track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
3. Solid understanding of production planning, quality assurance, and safety compliance practices.
4. Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
5. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
6. Proficiency in manufacturing systems (ERP, MES) and performance reporting tools.
7. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field.