Plant Manager

We are looking for a seasoned and trusted Plant Leader to oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations at our Asheville, NC location. As the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for managing production, optimizing efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and driving continuous improvement in a strong team environment. Reporting directly to the US General Manager, this is a strategic leadership position that will require you to be a change agent and guide the plant toward achieving key initiatives in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and cash.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Management:

• Oversee daily plant operations to ensure smooth and efficient production of metal coatings.
• Develop and implement production schedules and priorities to meet customer demands and company goals.
• Monitor and manage plant performance across multiple metrics, including quality, efficiency, and output targets.
• Enforce compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations to ensure safe plant operations.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, motivate, and manage a team across Customer Service, Engineering, Planning/Materials, Quality, and Operations.
• Create a positive and collaborative work environment by fostering open communication, ongoing training, and performance evaluations.
• Manage talent acquisition, employee development, and succession planning for the plant.

Strategic Planning & Leadership:

• Focus on the strategic aspects of plant management, aligning efforts with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Work closely with the VP of Sales and the Executive Team to develop forecasting and planning strategies for the site.
• Lead the plant toward continuous improvement, driving waste elimination, process optimization, and Lean/Six Sigma implementation.

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
• Stay current with industry safety regulations and maintain compliance with OSHA and other standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits and ensure proper training for all staff.

Quality Control:

• Ensure that all products meet customer specifications and industry standards through effective quality control systems.
• Collaborate with the quality team to resolve issues and improve product/process quality.

Cost Management:

• Develop and manage the plant’s budget, focusing on resource optimization and cost control.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, and waste minimization.
• Report on key financial metrics and ensure plant performance aligns with company objectives.

Continuous Improvement:

• Implement Lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies to increase plant productivity.
• Lead Kaizen teams to convert strategy deployment goals into actionable items, continuously improving manufacturing efficiency.
• Analyze data and drive initiatives to improve cycle times and reduce waste.

Reporting & Communication:

• Provide regular updates and performance reports to the Regional General Manager and other senior management.
• Collaborate with other departments (central planning, quality, lean, safety, HR, etc.) to ensure smooth operations and alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA is a plus).
• 5-7 years of plant management experience, preferably in chemicals
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage diverse teams and drive high performance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, manufacturing principles, and industry standards.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.