Plant Operations Manager

Mount Kemble Search Group; Thomaston (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Kemble Search Group is seeking a Plant Manager to lead multisite operations in central Connecticut. The role carries full P&L ownership, with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity across sites.

You will drive Lean, Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence while partnering with Engineering and commercial teams on capital investments and new product launches. Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of manufacturing leadership, experience in high-speed

Qualifications

• 10+ years' progressive manufacturing leadership
• Experience in injection molding and high-speed assembly
• Knowledge of tooling, polymers, molding processes
• Lead operations of 100–250 employees
• P&L ownership and financial acumen
• Proven Lean/CI program implementation
• Experience leading organizational change
• Strong Quality Systems, SPC, GMP knowledge
• Experience supporting NPI/new product launches
• Willingness to travel ~20% domestically

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day and strategic operations across multiple sites
• Own P&L, budgeting, operating profit, cash flow, productivity, and cost performance
• Drive improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and Customer Service
• Build a strong culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Implement and strengthen Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, Standard Work, and Operational Excellence initiatives
• Partner closely with Engineering and commercial teams on capital investment, new product launches, and customer requirements
• Develop and mentor plant leadership while strengthening succession planning and organizational capability
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, equipment utilization, processes, and overall manufacturing efficiency

Skills

P&L ownership

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

People leadership

Cross-site leadership

Budgeting

Quality systems

NPI launches

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Job description

An established manufacturing company is hiring a Plant Manager to serve as an Operations Leader overseeing several manufacturing locations in central Connecticut. This is a high impact leadership role with full P&L ownership and responsibility for the overall performance of a complex manufacturing operation. The Plant Manager leads multisite Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Continuous Improvement, Customer Service, and other key functions, with a strong focus on improving operational and financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day and strategic operations across multiple manufacturing sites
• Own P&L, budgeting, operating profit, cash flow, productivity, and cost performance
• Drive improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and Customer Service
• Build a strong culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Implement and strengthen Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, Standard Work, and Operational Excellence initiatives
• Partner closely with Engineering and commercial teams on capital investment, new product launches, and customer requirements
• Develop and mentor plant leadership while strengthening succession planning and organizational capability
• Identify opportunities to improve automation, equipment utilization, processes, and overall manufacturing efficiency

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including Plant Manager, Site Leader, Operations Director, or General Manager-level responsibility
• Experience in injection molding and high-speed automated assembly environments
• Knowledge of tooling, polymers, molding processes, and automated manufacturing.
• Experience leading operations of ~100-250 employees.
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and financial acumen
• Proven success implementing Lean/Continuous Improvement programs and driving measurable operational improvements
• Experience leading organizational change and developing high-performing teams
• Strong understanding of Quality Systems, SPC, GMP, and manufacturing compliance
• Experience supporting NPI / new product launches
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline
• Ability to travel ~20% domestic usually, potentially internationally.