Plant Manager
About the Job
Job Title: Plant Manager
Location: A dynamic industrial hub in the Southwest
Department: Manufacturing Operations
Reports To: Senior Leadership
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site | Contract to Hire
Position Overview
A leading manufacturer specializing in mission-critical modular solutions for the energy, defense, and industrial sectors is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at a new high-volume manufacturing facility. This role will oversee all aspects of the plant’s launch and production lifecycle, including facility layout, throughput, quality, and safety. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced, start-up environments, excels at adapting to changing priorities, and brings strong cross-functional leadership to support rapid growth.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with engineering and operations teams to finalize facility design, layout, and equipment installation for a high-volume manufacturing plant.
Lead day-to-day operations, including production, scheduling, maintenance, quality control, and warehousing, to ensure efficient and safe production of modular solutions.
Manage plant personnel, vendors, and contractors to ensure seamless execution during the facility’s startup phase.
Adapt operations in real-time to meet evolving production needs and ambitious growth targets in the energy, defense, and industrial sectors.
Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track output, efficiency, scrap, yield, and labor utilization.
Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards, including OSHA and ISO requirements.
Champion continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing practices across all departments to optimize performance.
Foster a strong safety culture, ensuring rapid response to incidents and proactive preparation for audits.
Collaborate with Supply Chain, HR, and Finance teams to align labor planning, materials, and budgets with operational goals.
Promote a culture of ownership, accountability, and open communication to support organizational success.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business.
7+ years of experience in plant or operations leadership, with direct experience in new facility start-ups.
Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and drive measurable improvements in early-phase, high-growth environments.
Track record of responding quickly to operational challenges without compromising quality or safety.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Expertise in ERP/MRP systems, production planning, and cost control.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
Familiarity with modern ERP tools for manufacturing operations.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Why Join This Organization?
Lead a cutting-edge manufacturing facility from the ground up, shaping its operational success.
Work in a fast-paced, innovative environment focused on energy, defense, and industrial solutions.
Enjoy competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
Join a mission-driven team that values speed, adaptability, and excellence in manufacturing.
This organization is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 5:00 AM - 3:30 PM