Plant Manager — Lean Manufacturing & Safety Leader

summerset; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Matching

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA

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 in Southeast Wisconsin. You will own safety, production, quality and people leadership while shaping long-term operations strategy to drive growth.

In this role you will develop schedules, streamline Lean processes, manage staffing, oversee supplier relations, QC systems, and enforce safety programs to deliver high-quality products on time.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing or fabrication leadership.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Safety

Communication

Scheduling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate/Bachelor preferred

Tools

CAD

Job description

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

In this role you will develop schedules, streamline Lean processes, manage staffing, oversee supplier relations, QC systems, and enforce safety programs to deliver high-quality products on time.