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