Plant Manager

DuraTech Industries is a growing global Printing Manufacturer located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. We have been manufacturing labels, overlays and metal nameplates for a variety of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive, computer, electronics, industrial and medical markets for over 45 years. As our company expands, we need talented, forward-thinking team members to add to our team.

We work hard at making a positive, challenging and engaging environment.

We respect and value our people and recognize their diversity as a source of creativity. We value loyalty, dedication, hard work and pride in workmanship. We dedicate ourselves to provide a safe and fun work environment; one that promotes open communication, teamwork, learning and community involvement. Our Team Members are our greatest asset; our leadership in the industries we serve has been achieved because our people are the best. 

We are adding a Plant Manager to our team!

The Plan Manager acts as the key driver of continuous improvement by analyzing production processes, work flow, personnel requirements, capacity, equipment, etc. Provides effective leadership and promotes good working relationships. Meets and exceeds customer’s quality and service expectations through our commitment to being a Lean Manufacturing organization. Works closely with the Vice President of Manufacturing to develop and implement long and short term operating objectives aimed at improving safety, quality, and production performance.

Leadership and Management

• Communicates one on one with Area Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leads.
• Manages and promotes teamwork with Area Team Leaders and Assistant Team Leads.
• Sets departmental goals in alignment with the company objectives and obtains planned results. Prepares budgets, progress reports and annual reports for Senior Leadership Team.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Follows laws and regulations with regards to human resources and safety. Interviews, hires, and trains team members; develops work schedules; authorizes leave, PTO and overtime; reviews performance; disciplines team members; and addresses complaints and resolves problems. 
• Ensures a safe work environment for all team members, identifying potential hazards and enforcing compliance with applicable occupational safety and health regulations.
• Effectively develops team leaders, leads and trainers through guidance, coaching, counseling and advising them to take personal responsibility for their actions and decisions. Communicates with them regularly and seeks their input on issues affecting their areas of responsibility, clarifying who is responsible for what results. Delegates responsibility where appropriate.
• Conducts meetings to communicate department and company changes. Recognizes achievements and promotes team member development for the purpose of enhancing knowledge and proficiency of team members. Creates an atmosphere that promotes team cohesiveness.
• Ensures effective communications and collaboration with all shifts and departments. Creates and maintains professional work relationships with external entities.

Drives Continuous Process Improvement Initiatives

• Analyzes production processes and work flow, plant layout, personnel requirements, capacity, asset utilization, production scheduling, equipment, etc. Makes recommendations to VP of Manufacturing to improve safety and quality, simplify operations, and improve cost effectiveness.
• Uses the tools and problem solving skills to identify and complete Kaizen events.
• Works with the QA Department to determine focus areas for process improvement efforts. 
• Researches new types of equipment/technology geared toward improving overall capacity and production rates.
• Documents and tracks project improvement initiatives.

Plans and Directs Production Activities

• Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the work of department team members for effective and efficient operations.
• Ensures prompt communication with maintenance regarding equipment failures.
• Communicates with the Scheduler to revise production schedules as a result of equipment failure or operating problems.
• Directs communications to Customer Service Representatives concerning customer order status or delayed production.

Ideal candidates will have:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; continued education in business administration, engineering, materials science, logistics or chemistry preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in manufacturing and supervision required.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in continuous improvement/lean manufacturing principles required.

Skills and abilities crucial to success in this role:

• Knowledge and experience in manufacturing processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards; Kaizen project experience a plus.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards and compliance.
• Basic knowledge of employment laws.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, team-building and leadership skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational and delegation skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to lead people and get results through others.
• Ability to work proficiently in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, handle multiple priorities and reprioritize work under rapidly changing circumstances.
• Ability to perform basic and intermediate math functions (add, subtract, multiply, divide, algebraic and geometric calculations).  
• Ability to work independently without continued support from others.