Plant Manager - Lean Operations Leader Driving Change

Southern Felt Company, Inc; North Augusta (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkegen in North Augusta, SC is seeking a transformational Plant Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, champion efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

You will drive continuous improvement, implement lean, Six Sigma, and cost controls, and manage an engaged workforce through coaching and mentorship.

This leadership role requires strategic vision, P&L awareness, and collaboration with Commercial and R&D to deliver quality products on time while reducing variability and costs.

Qualifications

• Education: degree in engineering or related technical field preferred.
• 10+ years leadership in manufacturing with 5+ years in senior plant leadership and large-scale transformations.
• Strong financial acumen with P&L, budgets, cost control and capital expenditures.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence.
• Experience in process engineering, automation, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and high performance.
• Implement and oversee a comprehensive health, safety, and environmental management program.
• Ensure compliance with accredited quality management systems and product quality.
• Define and drive the plant's vision and strategy with continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan aligned with company goals and financial targets.
• Establish and monitor systems to minimize costs while improving quality and reducing variability.
• Champion change management and lead teams through transitions.
• Establish clear roles and accountability across all levels and address performance gaps.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through training, coaching, and mentorship.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to reduce costs and improve product quality.
• Oversee facility protection, fire protection, emergency preparedness, and asset management.
• Utilize lean principles to identify and execute process improvements.
• Collaborate with Commercial and R&D on new product development and process enhancements.
• Foster an accountability culture with open feedback at all levels.
• Ensure talent acquisition and development programs are in place.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Financial acumen

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Operational excellence

Communication

Team development

Decision-making

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Automation

Job description

Alkegen in North Augusta, SC is seeking a transformational Plant Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, champion efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

You will drive continuous improvement, implement lean, Six Sigma, and cost controls, and manage an engaged workforce through coaching and mentorship.

This leadership role requires strategic vision, P&L awareness, and collaboration with Commercial and R&D to deliver quality products on time while reducing variability and costs.