Plant Manager - Appleton Finn : Job Details

POSITION SUMMARY: The Plant Manager will lead all aspects of production and plant operations to drive operational excellence. This individual will be responsible for managing production schedules, ensuring safety and quality standards, controlling costs, and implementing Lean manufacturing principles to meet company growth and profitability goals. As the leader of the plant, this individual will manage a diverse team of supervisors, technicians, and production staff, and collaborate closely with engineering and customer service teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, and quality control.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize production capacity, minimize downtime, and reduce operational costs.
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve efficiency.
• Manage inventory control and work closely with supply chain teams to ensure raw materials availability and timely product delivery.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess plant performance and drive strategic decision-making.
• Establish and manage budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead costs, to align with business goals.
• Partner with engineering and product development teams to support new product launches and ensure manufacturability.
• Maintain open communication with leadership on plant performance, opportunities for improvement, and potential risks.
• Drive initiatives to enhance employee engagement, morale, and retention.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE:

• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably within promotional products, packaging, or plastic injection molding and secondary operations
• Proven track record in managing large-scale production operations with a focus on efficiency, quality, and cost control.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing multi-shift operations and large teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and production management software.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field; MBA is a plus.

IDEAL CAPABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Capability to manage production schedules, inventories, and budgets to meet operational and financial goals.
• Proficiency in interpreting production data and key performance indicators to guide strategic actions.
• A proactive approach to managing plant safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Proficiency in Spanish a plus.