Startup Plant Manager: Build & Scale a New HVAC Facility

Smardt Chiller Group; Avondale (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual performance bonus

Employer-paid medical and dental from/

Tele-Health services

Retirement plan with employer contrib.

Team events & training opportunities

Job summary

Smardt Chiller Group is seeking a Plant Manager to lead the startup of its Phoenix manufacturing facility and drive world‑class production, quality, safety, and support systems. You will build the plant organization, implement lean processes, and ensure smooth transition from project to steady‑state operations.

You will oversee production, maintenance, engineering, and continuous improvement, aiming for cost, delivery, and quality goals while developing a high‑performance team and partnering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of manufacturing operations experience with leadership roles.
• Proven track record in greenfield/brownfield plant startup and scale-up.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with ERP systems and operations metrics dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Lead startup and commissioning of the Phoenix facility, including layout and line setup.
• Oversee construction, utilities, and EHS readiness for manufacturing.
• Develop recruitment plans and establish plant procedures and shopfloor control.
• Align with Corporate Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to Smardt standards.
• Drive ERP installation, cost control, and KPI tracking (OEE, safety, quality).
• Partner with HR and Finance to build organization, training, and budget.
• Lead Lean/CI programs and cross-functional collaboration across teams.

Skills

Strong leadership

Lean manufacturing

5S & CI

ERP systems

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's preferred

Tools

NAV/Business Central

Manufacturing dashboards

Job description

Smardt Chiller Group is seeking a Plant Manager to lead the startup of its Phoenix manufacturing facility and drive world‑class production, quality, safety, and support systems. You will build the plant organization, implement lean processes, and ensure smooth transition from project to steady‑state operations.

You will oversee production, maintenance, engineering, and continuous improvement, aiming for cost, delivery, and quality goals while developing a high‑performance team and partnering