Plant Operations Leader: Safety, Quality & Growth

Catapult Employers Association; New London (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job description

Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000 per year

About the Company

A well-established manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations within a fast-paced production environment. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, productivity, employee development, and continuous improvement while supporting the company's growth and expansion initiatives.

Position Overview

The Plant Manager will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Warehouse functions. This individual will lead supervisors and production teams, drive operational performance, and foster a positive, accountable, and safety-focused culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and productive performance
• Lead and develop supervisors and production teams while promoting accountability and teamwork
• Effectively manage multiple departments, including Production, Maintenance, Quality Control, and Warehouse
• Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer demands and business objectives
• Monitor productivity, efficiency, quality, workflow, downtime, and key operational metrics
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Coordinate cross-functional activities to optimize plant performance and customer service
• Monitor scrap rates and lead waste reduction and continuous improvement initiatives
• Delegate responsibilities effectively and follow up to ensure execution and results
• Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Support capital improvement and facility expansion projects

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
• 3+ years managing supervisors and production teams
• Experience leading operations in a manufacturing environment
• Strong production planning and scheduling experience
• Demonstrated success managing multiple departments simultaneously
• Experience improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and team development skillsAbility to analyze operational data and drive results through KPIs and performance metrics

Preferred Experience

• PVC manufacturing
• Plastic extrusion
• Pipe manufacturing
• Building products manufacturing
• Chemical processing
• Continuous-process manufacturing environments
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Company-paid medical insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days
• Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options
• Employee referral bonus program

Ideal Candidate: A hands-on manufacturing leader with a proven ability to build strong teams, improve operational performance, manage plant growth, and create a culture centered on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.