Plant Operations Leader — Lean, Safety & Growth

Avient Corporation; Avon Lake (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Avient Corporation seeks a Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of a manufacturing plant in Ohio, including safety, production, quality, engineering, and maintenance. The role emphasizes building a high-performing team, fostering continuous improvement, and delivering results aligned with corporate goals.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on leadership, strong Lean/Six Sigma background, and experience guiding cross-functional operations across shifts while maintaining regulatory compliance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or business required; master's degree in operations management, engineering, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in a manufacturing facility.
• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience managing 25+ employees in a multi-shift operation with budgetary responsibility.
• Formal Lean and Six Sigma training, with demonstrated successful implementation in a manufacturing environment, preferred.
• OSHA certification or training preferred.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to establish a strong operational culture and drive change.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the plant operates in accordance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations and requirements.
• Build a collaborative culture that encourages trust, early escalation of concerns, teamwork, open communication, timely decision-making, and individual accountability.
• Create an environment that recognizes employee involvement, innovative thinking, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Lead plant sustainability efforts in support of Avient's 2030 goals to reduce landfill waste and energy consumption.
• Ensure plant objectives and production schedules are achieved while maintaining product standards that exceed customer expectations.
• Maintain standards for product quality, equipment reliability, and production performance; use cost-effective technology to maximize production.
• Drive lean initiatives and serve as the primary advocate for a continuous improvement culture.
• Develop a plant operating plan aligned with and supportive of the annual business plan.
• Develop and manage a capital plan that supports business strategy and improves plant operations.
• Ensure achievement of the annual operating budget and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Manage salaried staff, providing direction and guidance to achieve plant objectives and targets.
• Coach, mentor, and train plant employees; establish career development goals and supporting plans; ensure performance reviews are completed in accordance with Avient requirements and timelines.
• Implement organizational and operational changes as necessary.
• Represent Avient in the external community, including local civic groups, regulatory agency coordination, and emergency response services.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Provide leadership and visibility across a multi-shift operation, including a flexible schedule as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or business

Master's degree in operations management or related field (preferred)

Job description

Avient Corporation seeks a Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of a manufacturing plant in Ohio, including safety, production, quality, engineering, and maintenance. The role emphasizes building a high-performing team, fostering continuous improvement, and delivering results aligned with corporate goals.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on leadership, strong Lean/Six Sigma background, and experience guiding cross-functional operations across shifts while maintaining regulatory compliance