VP of Manufacturing

Director of Manufacturing – Steel Tank Manufacturing

Company Overview:

KBK Industries, a leading manufacturer of steel and stainless-steel storage tanks, is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at our facility in Liberal, Kansas. With a strong commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, KBK delivers innovative storage solutions for industries including agriculture, municipal, industrial, and energy.

Position Summary:

The Plant Manager will oversee daily operations of the manufacturing plant, driving performance in production, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. The ideal candidate will lead teams, optimize processes, and ensure alignment with company goals to support growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all plant activities to ensure production targets are met on time and within budget.
• Manage daily operations including scheduling, staffing, and resource allocation.

Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop supervisors, production teams, and support staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and company policies.
• Conduct safety audits, training, and incident investigations to maintain a safe workplace.

Quality Assurance

• Monitor quality metrics, ensuring products meet customer specifications and industry standards.
• Implement corrective actions for defects and process improvements to reduce waste.
• Process Optimization
• Identify and implement lean manufacturing initiatives to improve production efficiency.
• Manage equipment maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
• Financial Management
• Control plant budgets, reduce costs, and maximize profitability.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Strategic Planning
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align plant operations with company goals.
• Drive capital improvement projects and manage expansion plans as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in manufacturing management, preferably in steel or tank fabrication.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in production planning, quality control, and cost management.
• Familiarity with safety and environmental compliance (OSHA/EPA).

Key Competencies:

• Results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster employee engagement.
• Strong analytical skills for tracking KPIs and driving improvements.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for career growth within KBK Industries.

Location:

Liberal, Kansas – Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.