Plant Manager

The Plant Manager directs, manages and coordinates activities of all production departments to ensure approved company products are manufactured on-schedule and within quality standards and cost objectives. Manages and implements manufacturing strategies and objectives concerned with production of company products to ensure the achievement of company goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: including the following and other duties may be assigned.

1. Direct and manage all manufacturing activities of the following departments- rewind, press and shipping/receiving to ensure the production of high-quality products to meet customer print quality requirements, while achieving them in a highly efficient and cost-effective manner. Follow company directive and never compromise safety and/or quality for productivity. Make self available to assist pressmen in troubleshooting press problems and attaining a level of quality that meets or exceeds customer expectations and waste/productivity targets, either through press-side assistance or direction.
2. Develop the manufacturing plan and establish and implement policies and procedures for maintaining high standards of manufacturing operations to ensure that products conform to established customer and company quality standards.
3. Achieve optimum employee levels with least amount of overhead and raw material costs to meet annual budgetary plan.
4. Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs that guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation.
5. Direct and monitor department supervisors to accomplish goals of the manufacturing plan, including waste reduction and efficiency improvements, consistent with established manufacturing and safety procedures. Act as liaison between department supervision/subordinate levels, as well as executive/department manager levels and the sales team to inform personnel of communications, decisions, policies and all matters that affect their performance, attitudes and results.
6. Identify, recommend and implement changes to improve productivity and reduce cost and scrap, monitor scrap and rework data. Direct the establishment, implementation and maintenance of production standards.
7. Initiate and coordinate major project needs (e.g., plant layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc.). Continuously searches for equipment investment opportunities that will further improve safety, efficiency, capacity, as well as ensure we meet organizational goals. Participates in the selection of printing and rewind equipment and consumable vendors.
8. Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, operations excellence and continuous improvement through listening to employees, acting on ideas, and following through. Work effectively and relate well with others. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others, working to maintain constructive working relationships.
9. Direct and oversee the job engineering process.
10. Utilize all company tools in achieving corporate performance metrics, including layout of equipment, workflow, assembly methods, and work force utilization. Develop and implement a maintenance program for all equipment to assure minimal down time. Plan and direct production activities and establish production priorities for products in keeping with effective operations and cost factors. Consult with engineering personnel related to modification of machines and equipment in order to improve production and quality of products.
11. Direct continuous improvement and process improvement efforts and activities on the plant floor. Implement processes and procedures consistent and in alignment with BRC, AIB and G.M.P guidelines for food packaging products.
12. Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine causes of nonconformity with product specifications and operating or production problems. In partnership with Quality Control, assuring products are of the highest quality prior to being sent to customers.
13. Oversee and manage the company’s safety program in Bolingbrook to provide an adequate and safe working environment. Assure compliance with all safety policies and regulations.
14. Assist company officers and senior staff members in the development and formulation of long and short-range planning, policies, programs, objectives and annual budgets.
15. Hire, train, develop and evaluate staff in collaboration with Human Resources to ensure strong team dynamics and excellent employee relations. Consult with Human Resources as appropriate. Work closely with Human Resources to ensure careful and proper handling of all employee issues, including corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with company policy. Ensure compliance with current federal, state, local and contract regulations.
16. Keep current on information and technology affecting functional areas to increase innovation and ensure compliance.
17. Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned and required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Plant Manager manages supervisors and production managers in the press room, rewind, and shipping /receiving departments who supervise subordinate employees. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the above units. Also directly supervises non-supervisory employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Competency: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information collaboratively and skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills: Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Shares expertise with others.
• Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Meets commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting and follows through on action items; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed and exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Is a voice of encouragement to the team for successes.
• Managing People: Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating, and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes oneself available to staff throughout each day; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Professionalism - approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions and generates solutions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.

Education and/or Experience:

BA/BS in industrial, mechanical or business administration, or a 4-year technical degree in related discipline and/or 10 years experience in manufacturing management, preferably a flexible-packaging environment, process-oriented operation or related industry. A minimum of 7-10 years’ experience managing a significant segment of a large manufacturer or the entire operation of a smaller manufacturer.

• Supports Lithotype’s Core Values of Honesty, Integrity and Respect.
• Strong experience in flexographic and offset printing and plant management.
• Strong background, 7 years in Flexographic printing and/or offset printing and knowledge of the flexible packaging industry; additionally, must have strong plant and flexographic management experience within the flexible packaging industry.
• Experience in utilizing Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies to improve manufacturing capacity and capabilities.
• Excellent communication and management skills to work with all levels of employees and managers. Strong technical and business skills.
• Work effectively and relates well with others. Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others, working to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Strong leadership skills and good people management skills with a demonstrated ability to drive change and inspire a team, including holding his team accountable for their work and actions.
• Works well with sales, quality and customers.
• Measurement of performance to company standards and establishment of targets for improvements in safety, cost, delivery and employee/labor relations.
• Ability to multi-task and have problem solving skills.
• Quality management within production environments.
• Maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office and manufacturing-based technology, processes and principles are preferred.