What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager - Waco, TX position at Uzin Utz North America?
Join Our Team as a Plant Manager – Waco!
Who We Are Looking For:
Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment? Do you have a passion for learning all manufacturing processes and procedures, developing teams, and driving operational excellence? We are seeking a dynamic Plant Manager to lead our Waco, TX manufacturing site. This pivotal role requires a leader who is engaged on the production floor, actively coaching and developing manufacturing supervisors and operators, and fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Why You Should Apply:
We believe in empowering our employees and fostering an environment where everyone can make an impact. This is an opportunity to take full ownership of plant operations while working collaboratively with Operations, Quality Control, and R&D teams, and directly supporting the VP of Manufacturing.
Who We Are:
Uzin Utz North America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of flooring installation systems and serves as the North American subsidiary of Uzin Utz SE, based in Ulm, Germany. Founded in 1911, Uzin Utz SE is a fourth-generation family-owned company and a global producer of comprehensive product systems for the preparation, installation, and maintenance of all types of floor coverings.
In the United States, Uzin Utz North America offers its products under the renowned UZIN, WOLFF, and PALLMANN brand names, delivering industry-leading solutions for flooring professionals.
Position Overview:
The Plant Manager – Waco will be responsible for all aspects of the manufacturing site’s operations, including safety, production, quality, inventory management, maintenance, and cost control. This role demands a leader who is highly engaged, willing to learn every process, and committed to coaching and developing their team. The Plant Manager will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality Control, and R&D to ensure seamless production and operational efficiency, while also providing strategic support to the VP of Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities:
Who We Are Looking For:
Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment? Do you have a passion for learning all manufacturing processes and procedures, developing teams, and driving operational excellence? We are seeking a dynamic Plant Manager to lead our Waco, TX manufacturing site. This pivotal role requires a leader who is engaged on the production floor, actively coaching and developing manufacturing supervisors and operators, and fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Why You Should Apply:
We believe in empowering our employees and fostering an environment where everyone can make an impact. This is an opportunity to take full ownership of plant operations while working collaboratively with Operations, Quality Control, and R&D teams, and directly supporting the VP of Manufacturing.
Who We Are:
Uzin Utz North America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of flooring installation systems and serves as the North American subsidiary of Uzin Utz SE, based in Ulm, Germany. Founded in 1911, Uzin Utz SE is a fourth-generation family-owned company and a global producer of comprehensive product systems for the preparation, installation, and maintenance of all types of floor coverings.
In the United States, Uzin Utz North America offers its products under the renowned UZIN, WOLFF, and PALLMANN brand names, delivering industry-leading solutions for flooring professionals.
Position Overview:
The Plant Manager – Waco will be responsible for all aspects of the manufacturing site’s operations, including safety, production, quality, inventory management, maintenance, and cost control. This role demands a leader who is highly engaged, willing to learn every process, and committed to coaching and developing their team. The Plant Manager will work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality Control, and R&D to ensure seamless production and operational efficiency, while also providing strategic support to the VP of Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities:
Hands-On Leadership
- Actively engage on the production floor to understand and optimize manufacturing processes.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to department supervisors and operators, ensuring skill development and strong team performance.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative culture throughout the plant.
Manufacturing Operations & Process Improvement
- Develop and implement efficient production processes to optimize labor, materials, and equipment.
- Ensure superior product quality by working closely with the Quality Control team.
- Minimize waste, rework, and downtime while driving throughput and cost efficiency.
- Utilize Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Teamwork
- Work closely with the Operations, Quality Control, and R&D teams to drive process innovation and product improvements.
- Align plant goals with corporate objectives and support VP of Manufacturing in achieving business targets.
Safety & Compliance
- Lead by example in cultivating a safety-first culture.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company EHS&S standards.
- Proactively address safety concerns and drive a workplace free from incidents.
Talent Development & Coaching
- Identify and develop high-potential talent within the manufacturing team.
- Provide training, feedback, and growth opportunities for plant personnel.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
Operational & Financial Performance
- Manage plant budgets, cost controls, and operational efficiencies.
- Assist maintenance technicians by providing guidance through the application of troubleshooting techniques as and when equipment breakdown and failures occur to return equipment back to service in a safe and efficient manner.
- Work with Finance and the VP of Manufacturing to ensure profitability and optimal resource allocation.
- Oversee capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process automation initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Required: 5 years of plant leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to work hands-on and lead from the floor.
- Broad range of first hand technical experience typically associated with automated plant and equipment.
- Experience in process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S).
- Strong leadership and coaching skills with experience developing high-performing teams.
- Experience in batch process manufacturing (construction materials, engineered mortars, food, or related industries).
- Maintenance and project management experience in manufacturing environments.
- SAP, S4 Hana ERP systems knowledge is a plus.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits program
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance– with generous employer cost share
- Employer Paid Life, Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance
- Accident, Hospital Indemnity, Supplemental Life Insurance Options
- 401(k) Plan with Employer Match and 100% vesting
- 4 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) Annually
- 11 Paid holidays (2025)
Uzin Utz North America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
** Due to the high volume of applications, only those qualified for the position will be contacted **
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Notice to recruitment agencies:
UUNA does not accept unsolicited CVs/Resumes. Please do not forward CVs/Resumes to any UUNA employee, location, or website. UUNA is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs/Resumes.