Plant Manufacturing Manager: Lean, Safety & Growth

Gables Search Group; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gables Search Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager for its Charleston, SC plant. The role focuses on leading the value stream, developing frontline leaders, and driving safety, quality, and productivity improvements.

The ideal candidate has a track record in Lean and Six Sigma, strong problem-solving skills, and proven ability to coach cross-functional teams to meet short- and long-term manufacturing objectives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or business is preferred.
• 2–5 years of proven manufacturing leadership experience.
• 3+ years of technical problem solving in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and delivering results.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with process documentation (Control Plans, FMEA, JSAs, Standard Work).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing; Six Sigma Green/Black Belt preferred.
• SPC software and process capability metrics experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the value stream as business unit leader, reporting to the Plant Manager.
• Develop and coach front-line leaders to achieve business objectives.
• Drive a zero-injury culture through mastery of JSAs, Standard Work, and Control Plans.
• Ensure process stability and effective use of Control Plans, Standard Work, and JSAs.
• Provide resources and information to enable effective decision-making at all levels.
• Monitor performance to meet goals in safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Act as primary liaison to upstream and downstream customers.
• Manage daily operations and execute manufacturing strategies aligned to 1–3-year plans.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools to improve performance, reduce cost, and increase yields.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives and Rapid Improvement Events.
• Oversee process ownership related to achieving unit cost targets.
• Implement training plans to build a multi-skilled workforce.
• Influence equipment performance through TPM and preventive maintenance activities.
• Support TPM planning, data collection, and continuous improvement efforts.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business

Tools

SPC software

Process capability metrics

Job description

Gables Search Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Manager for its Charleston, SC plant. The role focuses on leading the value stream, developing frontline leaders, and driving safety, quality, and productivity improvements.

The ideal candidate has a track record in Lean and Six Sigma, strong problem-solving skills, and proven ability to coach cross-functional teams to meet short- and long-term manufacturing objectives in a fast-paced environment.