Plant Operations Leader: Drive Safety, Quality & Efficiency

Confidential Company; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Company in Milwaukee seeks an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity. You will lead production, maintenance, and continuous improvement, driving output while meeting customer commitments.

The role requires hands-on leadership, people development, and strong collaboration across departments to optimize processes, reduce waste, and control costs. Excellent communication and problem-solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food packaging.
• Experience leading a manufacturing facility or multiple departments.
• Strong leadership, goal setting, and accountability.
• Experience with budgets, performance metrics, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring a safe, productive, and efficient work environment.
• Lead production, manufacturing, and maintenance activities to keep operations running smoothly.
• Drive production output while maintaining product quality and on-time customer deliveries.
• Look for opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize unnecessary overtime.
• Make the most of available equipment, resources, and employee talent to meet production goals.
• Monitor key performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve productivity and overall plant performance.
• Develop and implement plans that support company goals and business objectives.
• Build positive relationships with employees, provide direction, and develop a strong, accountable team.
• Oversee hiring, employee development, performance reviews, and personnel decisions as needed.
• Manage manufacturing and departmental budgets, including annual planning and monthly expense tracking.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and encourage employees to share ideas for making the business better.
• Ensure company policies, procedures, and quality standards are followed throughout the facility.
• Stay current on manufacturing best practices, industry trends, and opportunities to improve operations.
• Understand and oversee the facility's hazardous waste program and emergency response responsibilities, including required training, waste management, emergency procedures, spill response, and serving as the primary emergency coordinator.
• Maintain consistent attendance and communication to support daily operations.
• Take on additional responsibilities as business needs require.

Skills

Leadership

Production operations

Process improvement

Budget management

Communication

Quality standards

Planning & scheduling

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Manufacturing

Job description

Confidential Company in Milwaukee seeks an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, and productivity. You will lead production, maintenance, and continuous improvement, driving output while meeting customer commitments.

The role requires hands-on leadership, people development, and strong collaboration across departments to optimize processes, reduce waste, and control costs. Excellent communication and problem-solving are essential.