Plant Manager - Lean Ops for a Small Made-to-Order Plant

Insight Global; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global in Naperville, IL, seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead a small, autonomous operation focused on safety, quality, and on-time delivery for a made-to-order manufacturing environment.

You will drive Lean initiatives, manage a compact team, coordinate with Product Management, Supply Chain, and Corporate Procurement, and develop the workforce while maintaining a strong safety culture. This role requires travel about 10% to training and meetings in Hilliard, Ohio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree OR significant manufacturing and management experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Prior Plant Manager experience preferred, but strong production/manufacturing leaders ready for a first Plant Manager opportunity will be considered.
• Proven ability to lead small teams, build trust, and gain employee buy-in.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing plant budgets, inventory, procurement, and operations.
• Strong operational knowledge and Lean manufacturing experience.
• Ability to coach and develop employees while holding teams accountable.
• Proficiency with Excel and general computer skills.
• Ability to navigate difficult conversations and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with Product Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Corporate Procurement.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% for training and meetings (Hilliard, Ohio)

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day plant operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, and employee engagement.
• Manage a small team consisting of operators, a supervisor, and a product engineer.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean principles and operational metrics.
• Oversee budgeting, inventory management, purchasing, and production planning.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management since products are customized and made-to-order.
• Participate in bi-weekly/monthly meetings with Corporate Procurement regarding materials and supplier management.
• Ensure production schedules, customer commitments, and inventory levels are aligned.
• Continue building and maintaining the strong safety culture established at the facility.
• Develop employees, improve accountability, and strengthen leadership across the operation.
• Support assembly and production processes involving filter bags, metal tubing, light welding, and light assembly work.
• Monitor procurement lead times and stay ahead of material ordering to support business growth.
• Act as the primary operational leader responsible for overall plant performance and business results.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Lean manufacturing

Excel

Cross-functional work

People management

Communication

Problem solving

Inventory management

Procurement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Excel

Job description

Insight Global in Naperville, IL, seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead a small, autonomous operation focused on safety, quality, and on-time delivery for a made-to-order manufacturing environment.

You will drive Lean initiatives, manage a compact team, coordinate with Product Management, Supply Chain, and Corporate Procurement, and develop the workforce while maintaining a strong safety culture. This role requires travel about 10% to training and meetings in Hilliard, Ohio.