Plant Manager in Hickory

Energy Jobline ZR; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

IP Corporation’s HK Research plant in Hickory, NC seeks a Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, safety, maintenance, and cost performance, providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure efficient, compliant plant performance and continuous improvement.

The role partners with Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Commercial teams to align site results with business goals and drive development of high-performing cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership
• Proven leadership experience managing plant operations and cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Responsibilities

• Lead overall plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, production, and cost objectives are achieved
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental standards
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement improvements to enhance plant performance
• Oversee production planning and execution to meet customer demand and service expectations
• Manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and cost control initiatives
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to support business growth

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Safety

Regulatory compliance

Lean Six Sigma

Budget management

Strategic planning

Team development

Operations management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

PLANT MANAGER, HK RESEARCH

Location:Hickory, North Carolina - Onsite

What is IP Corporation?

IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Our operating companies, Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products, work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.

What is a Plant Manager, HK Research?

The Plant Manager, HK Research is responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing operations at the Hickory, North Carolina facility, including safety, production, quality, maintenance, and cost performance. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant plant operations while driving continuous improvement and team development.

HK Research is one of IP Corporation's operating companies, and the Hickory site supports customers who depend on consistent product quality and reliable supply. The Plant Manager partners with Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Commercial teams to align site performance with business goals.

What You Can Expect to Do as a Plant Manager, HK Research:

• Lead overall plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, production, and cost objectives are achieved
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business goals
• Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental standards
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement improvements to enhance plant performance
• Oversee production planning and execution to meet customer demand and service expectations
• Manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and cost control initiatives
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to support business growth

What We Are Looking For in a Plant Manager, HK Research:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field required
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership, preferably within chemical or industrial environments
• Proven leadership experience managing plant operations and cross-functional teams
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

Why Join IP Corporation?

• Be part of a stable, privately held organization with more than 70 years of success and a strong reputation in the markets we serve.
• Lead meaningful work in a company where decisions can be made quickly, ideas are valued, and employees have a direct impact on business results.
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Collaborate with talented teams across a diverse portfolio of businesses and manufacturing operations.
• Opportunity for professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career advancement.
• Join a culture built on integrity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help shape the future of an organization committed to innovation, customer success, and operational excellence.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
• Ability to travel up to 10% if applicable.

IP Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to , , , , , , , veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.

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