Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Plant Manager

Department: Operations
Reports To: General Manager, North American Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time, Salary (Exempt)

Position Summary

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership to drive manufacturing excellence, ensure exceptional product quality, and maintain the highest standards of workplace safety. This critical leadership role oversees all aspects of plant operations, from production and supply chain management to team development and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will build high-performing teams, optimize operational efficiency, and foster a culture of safety, quality, and innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Management

• Provide comprehensive leadership and direction for all manufacturing and supply chain activities at the facility
• Drive organizational effectiveness through strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance optimization
• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations that meet or exceed customer expectations and business objectives
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with corporate goals and support long-term growth
• Champion continuous improvement methodologies and lean manufacturing principles throughout the organization

Team Development & Leadership

• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent to build a skilled, motivated, and high-performing workforce
• Create and maintain a positive organizational culture that reflects company values and promotes team collaboration
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to foster employee growth
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures across the operations team
• Lead by example to inspire excellence, innovation, and commitment to quality

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Oversee inventory control and working capital management to optimize cash flow and resource utilization
• Collaborate with upstream and downstream supply chain partners to ensure seamless material flow
• Implement production planning strategies that balance customer demand with operational capacity
• Provide accurate operational data and insights to support financial planning and business forecasting
• Develop and maintain relationships with key supply chain stakeholders across the organization

Technology & Process Innovation

• Drive the advancement of operational practices, automation technologies, and manufacturing processes
• Leverage data-driven management approaches to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements
• Identify and recommend capital investment opportunities to enhance operational capabilities
• Lead approved capital projects from planning through implementation and validation
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in advanced manufacturing

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Serve as the primary representative for the facility in local business forums, industry associations, and community events
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and key stakeholders
• Cultivate partnerships with local educational institutions and workforce development organizations
• Enhance company visibility and reputation within the regional manufacturing community
• Represent the organization in customer meetings and facility tours

Quality & Safety Management

• Establish and maintain a strong safety culture with zero-tolerance for workplace incidents
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and standards
• Implement quality management systems that deliver consistent, high-quality products
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for quality or safety issues
• Drive accountability for safety and quality metrics at all organizational levels

Required Competencies

Adaptability
Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing business conditions; accepts and acts on constructive feedback; adjusts leadership approach to fit different situations; effectively manages multiple competing priorities.

Communication
Exhibits exceptional listening and comprehension skills; articulates complex ideas clearly in both written and verbal formats; maintains transparent communication across all organizational levels; selects appropriate communication channels for maximum effectiveness; presents confidently to diverse audiences.

Cooperation
Maintains a positive, professional demeanor; builds and sustains productive working relationships across functions; demonstrates diplomacy and consideration in all interactions; proactively supports colleagues and cross-functional teams; effectively resolves conflicts and facilitates collaboration.

Customer Focus
Demonstrates commitment to customer satisfaction; manages challenging situations with professionalism and poise; consistently delivers on commitments; responds promptly to internal and external customer needs; actively seeks feedback to drive service improvements.

Dependability
Exhibits unwavering commitment to excellence; demonstrates self-direction and ability to work autonomously; maintains consistent follow-through on commitments; models punctuality and reliability; takes full ownership and accountability for decisions and outcomes; shows initiative in addressing challenges without direct oversight.

Leadership Excellence
Inspires and motivates teams to achieve exceptional results; develops talent and builds organizational capability; creates clear vision and strategic direction; fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement; leads change initiatives effectively; demonstrates cultural awareness and emotional intelligence.

Problem Solving & Analysis
Applies systematic approaches to complex problem-solving; collects and analyzes data to inform strategic decisions; identifies issues proactively before they escalate; develops creative, practical solutions; facilitates collaborative problem-solving across teams; demonstrates strong business acumen.

Technical & Analytical Skills
Applies mathematical and statistical concepts including probability, inference, and process capability analysis; interprets complex technical data and documentation; translates technical requirements into operational strategies; evaluates multiple variables to make sound decisions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Required:

• Master's degree in Engineering (Process, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline), Operations Management, or related field; OR Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven track record of managing complex manufacturing operations, preferably in chemical processing, plastics compounding, or specialty materials production
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-functional teams and driving operational excellence

Preferred:

• MBA or advanced degree in Business Administration, Engineering Management, or related field
• Experience with continuous processing operations and automated manufacturing systems
• Background in startup operations or facility expansion projects
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification
• Experience in global manufacturing organizations

Technical Competencies

Language & Communication:

• Fluency in English required; additional languages highly desirable
• Exceptional written communication skills with ability to prepare executive-level reports, business correspondence, and technical documentation
• Strong presentation skills with ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including executives, customers, regulatory agencies, and the general public
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex technical, regulatory, and business information

Technology & Systems:

• Advanced proficiency with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems
• Expert-level skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production scheduling software
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and business intelligence platforms
• Knowledge of modern automation and control systems

Industry Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality systems, and maintenance management
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies
• Understanding of regulatory compliance requirements (OSHA, EPA, FDA, or equivalent)
• Familiarity with ISO quality management systems and industry-specific standards

Work Environment

• Primary work location at manufacturing facility with combination of office and production floor presence
• Requires regular presence on manufacturing floor in environments with moderate noise, moving equipment, and industrial operations
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to support operational requirements
• Travel required (estimated 10-25%), including potential international travel to corporate headquarters and supplier/customer locations
• On-call availability for emergency situations or critical operational issues
• Participation in industry conferences, trade shows, and professional development events

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing floor environments
• Capacity to conduct facility tours and inspect operations, requiring walking, standing, and stair climbing
• Occasional lifting of materials or documents up to 25 pounds
• Visual and auditory acuity to assess operations and communicate in manufacturing environments
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when on production floor
• Primarily desk-based work with regular attendance at in-person and virtual meetings
• Prolonged periods of computer work for planning, analysis, and communication

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has direct oversight of the entire plant operations organization, including production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and logistics functions. The Plant Manager is responsible for developing organizational structure, building leadership capability throughout the team, and ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the general nature and key responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. The Plant Manager will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned to support business objectives and operational excellence. The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Company Description

About Our Company
We are a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing with over four decades of expertise in developing specialized compounds and solutions for mission-critical applications. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina combines cutting-edge technology with proven innovation to serve industries where safety, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable.
What We Do
Our tailored material solutions are trusted across diverse sectors including electronics, automotive, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and packaging. We specialize in developing high-performance compounds that solve complex technical challenges—from static discharge prevention to electromagnetic shielding and precision sensor applications. With thousands of proprietary formulations in our portfolio, we deliver custom solutions that enable our customers to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable products.
Our Culture
As a family-owned international organization, we maintain an agile, people-centered culture where innovation thrives and every voice matters. We believe diverse perspectives drive better outcomes, and we foster an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and professional growth are encouraged. Our team is passionate about making a meaningful impact through materials science, and we take pride in contributing to solutions that protect people and advance technology across industries worldwide.
Our Commitment
Innovation and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. We invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of materials technology, while simultaneously working to reduce environmental impact through recyclable materials and circular economy principles. With a strong international foundation and expanding North American operations, we offer stability, career development opportunities, and the chance to work on projects that truly matter.
Why Work With Us

Cutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities
Global reach with local impact and support
Career growth through training, development, and professional advancement
Meaningful work that contributes to safer products and sustainable solutions
Collaborative environment where innovation and continuous improvement are valued
Stability and values of a family-owned business with international presence

Join us in shaping the future of advanced materials technology.

Company Description

About Our Company\r\nWe are a global leader in advanced materials manufacturing with over four decades of expertise in developing specialized compounds and solutions for mission-critical applications. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina combines cutting-edge technology with proven innovation to serve industries where safety, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable.\r\nWhat We Do\r\nOur tailored material solutions are trusted across diverse sectors including electronics, automotive, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, and packaging. We specialize in developing high-performance compounds that solve complex technical challenges—from static discharge prevention to electromagnetic shielding and precision sensor applications. With thousands of proprietary formulations in our portfolio, we deliver custom solutions that enable our customers to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable products.\r\nOur Culture\r\nAs a family-owned international organization, we maintain an agile, people-centered culture where innovation thrives and every voice matters. We believe diverse perspectives drive better outcomes, and we foster an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and professional growth are encouraged. Our team is passionate about making a meaningful impact through materials science, and we take pride in contributing to solutions that protect people and advance technology across industries worldwide.\r\nOur Commitment\r\nInnovation and sustainability are at the core of everything we do. We invest heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of materials technology, while simultaneously working to reduce environmental impact through recyclable materials and circular economy principles. With a strong international foundation and expanding North American operations, we offer stability, career development opportunities, and the chance to work on projects that truly matter.\r\nWhy Work With Us\r\n\r\nCutting-edge technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities\r\nGlobal reach with local impact and support\r\nCareer growth through training, development, and professional advancement\r\nMeaningful work that contributes to safer products and sustainable solutions\r\nCollaborative environment where innovation and continuous improvement are valued\r\nStability and values of a family-owned business with international presence\r\n\r\nJoin us in shaping the future of advanced materials technology.