What are the responsibilities and job description for the Multi-Site Plant Manager position at KSB SE & Co. KGaA?
KSB is a leading supplier of pumps, valves and related service. Our reliable, high-efficiency products are used in applications wherever fluids need to be transported or shut off, covering everything from building services,industry and water transport to waste water treatment, power plant processes and mining. Founded in 1871 in Frankenthal, Germany, the company has a presence on all continents with its own sales and marketing organisations and manufacturing facilities. Around the globe, more than 190 service centres and around 3,500 service specialists are on hand to provide local inspection, servicing, maintenance and repair services under the KSB SupremeServ brand. Innovative technology that is the fruit of KSB’s research and development activities forms the basis for the company’s success.
People. Passion. Performance. It is these three success factors that make KSB the company it is today.
At KSB, we recognise that it is people who actually make the difference – the people we employ and the people we serve. This is why we are committed to equal rights and treatment worldwide and never lose sight of the aspects ecology and sustainability when manufacturing our products.
People. Passion. Performance. It is these three success factors that make KSB the company it is today.
At KSB, we recognise that it is people who actually make the difference – the people we employ and the people we serve. This is why we are committed to equal rights and treatment worldwide and never lose sight of the aspects ecology and sustainability when manufacturing our products.
Production Manager
KSB GIW, Inc.
Department: Operations
Reports to: Vice President, Operations
Location: Grovetown and Thomson, GA
Shift: 1st
Reports to: Vice President, Operations
Location: Grovetown and Thomson, GA
Shift: 1st
FLSA Status: Salary Exempt
OVERVIEW:
The Production Manager will oversee operations at two manufacturing plants with pattern shops, foundries, machine shop, assembly, and paint processes. You will be responsible for ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and cost control while meeting production goals on schedule. This role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, and continuous improvement skills to drive efficiency and employee engagement while positioning the company for future growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to OSHA and company safety policies, implement risk mitigation strategies, and promote a strong safety culture.
- Quality Assurance: Maintain high product quality through an open error culture, transparency across the entire communication chain, process control, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Production & Efficiency: Oversee daily plant operations, drive adherence to the production schedule, and optimize manufacturing processes to meet output targets within budget.
- Capacity Planning & Growth Support: Ensure availability of production capacity to support long-term company growth objectives by planning for future demand, optimizing resource allocation and machine capacity planning.
- Technology & Innovation: Implement state-of-the-art processes, machines, process control, and monitoring systems leveraging newest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
- Process Automation & Strategy: Develop a strategic plan for process automation to enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve product consistency.
- Capital Investment & Project Execution: Support justification of capital investments and the successful implementation of capital projects to enhance plant capabilities.
- Continuous Improvement: Utilize Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste, and improve operational processes.
- Financial & Cost Control: Manage operating budgets, control costs, and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
- Employee Engagement: Foster a positive work environment, enhance team collaboration, and drive accountability to improve workforce motivation and retention.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, engineering, manufacturing engineering, order management, maintenance, purchasing, and HR teams to ensure seamless operations and problem resolution.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term strategies to enhance plant efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
- Equipment & Maintenance Oversight: Collaborate with maintenance to ensure that all machinery and equipment are properly maintained to prevent downtime and improve reliability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure both facilities comply with all relevant environmental, safety, and labor regulations.
- Customer & Supplier Interaction: Collaborate with customers and suppliers to address concerns, meet specifications, and ensure timely delivery of materials.
KEY METRICS FOR SUCCESS:
- Safety performance (incidents, near misses, compliance)
- Product quality (defect rates, customer complaints)
- Cost control (operating budget adherence, waste reduction)
- Production output and efficiency (on-time delivery, cycle times)
- Employee engagement and retention
- Capital project success and ROI on technology investments
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, managing both professional and hourly employees.
- Preferred Experience: multi-site management role. Strong track record of improving plant efficiency, cost savings, and operational excellence. Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and data-driven decision making. Leading capital investment projects and process automation initiatives.
- Industry Knowledge: Experience in foundry, machining, assembly, and painting operations preferred.
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple locations, develop high-performing teams, and drive a culture of accountability.
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and process automation technologies.
- Technology & Innovation: Familiarity with AI-driven process monitoring, automation strategies, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex production issues, implement solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Financial Acumen: Experience in capital investment planning, cost management, and ROI analysis for capital projects.
- Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage across all levels of the organization.
KSB Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. KSB makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
We value employees who take the initiative and are committed to our company; Employees who take responsibility and for whom business success is the focus of their actions. In return, we offer fair framework conditions for collective wages and pensions, flexible working time models, individual training opportunities and the best career prospects.
