Plant Operations Leader - Lean, Safety, Quality

6 Degrees Search; Linden (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search in Michigan seeks a Plant Manager to oversee daily production, maintenance, quality, and plant personnel. You will ensure safe, efficient operations, meet production schedules, manage costs, and drive continuous improvement across the site.

You will lead supervisors, enforce safety and regulatory compliance, coordinate with purchasing and logistics, track KPIs, and implement Lean and 5S strategies to reduce waste and improve performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of manufacturing or plant operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, manufacturing processes, quality systems, workplace safety, and maintenance practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage budgets, solve operational problems, and improve performance.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and performance measurement preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, delivery commitments, and targets.
• Lead, develop, and hold supervisors and employees accountable for performance, productivity, attendance, and adherence to policies.
• Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety procedures, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulations and company standards.
• Monitor production output, labor utilization, equipment performance, downtime, and scrap; implement improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure products meet customer specifications and quality requirements; support corrective actions and prevent defects.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, repairs, and equipment improvements to minimize downtime.
• Manage plant operating expenses, labor costs, materials usage, and other resources to meet financial objectives.
• Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, 5S, root-cause analysis, and other problem-solving methods.
• Coordinate with purchasing, warehouse, and supply chain teams to maintain inventory levels and support production.
• Track and communicate KPIs, production results, safety performance, quality metrics, and improvement initiatives to senior management.
• Work with sales, customer service, engineering, quality, maintenance, and logistics to resolve issues and support business objectives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Budget management

Continuous improvement

Lean manufacturing

ERP/MRP knowledge

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Engineering/Operations Management

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

6 Degrees Search in Michigan seeks a Plant Manager to oversee daily production, maintenance, quality, and plant personnel. You will ensure safe, efficient operations, meet production schedules, manage costs, and drive continuous improvement across the site.

You will lead supervisors, enforce safety and regulatory compliance, coordinate with purchasing and logistics, track KPIs, and implement Lean and 5S strategies to reduce waste and improve performance.