Plant Manager: Safety-First Leader in Lean Ops

Advanced Drainage Systems; Wooster (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Drainage Systems is seeking a Plant Manager for our Wooster, Ohio facility. You will oversee daily operations, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and partner with EHS, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Quality teams to meet production targets.

The role requires a proven leadership track record in manufacturing, strong communication, and the ability to develop talent across shifts. Travel is limited, and you will translate strategy into actionable plant goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or significant manufacturing and management experience.
• 10+ years of managerial experience in a production environment.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge and ability to drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills among cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage staffing, budgets, and cross-shift operations.

Responsibilities

• Champion a safe work environment by leading safety-focused initiatives and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Drive plant performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and retention metrics.
• Lead and sustain continuous improvement through Lean principles and data-driven problem-solving.
• Reinforce standardized processes and work practices to improve discipline and accountability.
• Manage staffing, succession planning, and talent development across all shifts.
• Coach and engage frontline leaders to strengthen decision-making and team performance.
• Translate corporate strategies into actionable plant objectives leveraging technology and CI tools.
• Oversee inventory control, materials management, and fulfillment to support production goals.

Skills

Leadership

Lean practices

Operational excellence

Communication

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or significant manufacturing/management experience

Job description

Advanced Drainage Systems is seeking a Plant Manager for our Wooster, Ohio facility. You will oversee daily operations, drive safety, quality, and productivity, and partner with EHS, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Quality teams to meet production targets.

The role requires a proven leadership track record in manufacturing, strong communication, and the ability to develop talent across shifts. Travel is limited, and you will translate strategy into actionable plant goals.