Plant Manager

Capstone Search Advisors
Aurora, OH

Position Summary


The Plant Manager is responsible for leading the operational performance, continuous improvement initiatives, and overall business results across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role provides strategic leadership to plant management teams while driving operational excellence, Lean Manufacturing, safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leading organizational change, building high-performing teams, and implementing sustainable continuous improvement programs that deliver measurable business results.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can effectively balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

***** NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE*****


Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

  • Lead and direct the operations of multiple manufacturing facilities to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
  • Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with overall business goals and growth initiatives.
  • Establish performance metrics, monitor plant performance, and drive corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of best practices across all facilities.
  • Optimize manufacturing capacity, labor utilization, and asset performance.


Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

  • Champion a culture of Continuous Improvement throughout the organization.
  • Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and Operational Excellence initiatives across multiple sites.
  • Drive waste reduction, process standardization, and productivity improvements.
  • Implement and sustain visual management systems, standardized work, value stream mapping, and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
  • Facilitate cross-functional improvement projects that generate measurable business results.


Change Management & Organizational Development

  • Lead transformational change initiatives across multiple facilities.
  • Drive cultural change by promoting accountability, employee engagement, and operational discipline.
  • Develop plant leadership teams and succession plans to ensure long-term organizational capability.
  • Coach and mentor Plant Managers and department leaders on leadership effectiveness and continuous improvement principles.
  • Build strong teams capable of adapting to changing business conditions and growth demands.


Financial Management

  • Develop and manage operating budgets for multiple facilities.
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Analyze operational and financial performance to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Manage capital expenditure projects and evaluate return on investment.
  • Deliver productivity improvements that positively impact profitability.


Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Sales, and Finance teams to achieve business objectives.
  • Support new product introductions, capacity planning, and strategic growth initiatives.
  • Maintain strong customer relationships and ensure operational support for customer requirements.
  • Lead customer audits and participate in key customer meetings as required


Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or related field required.
  • MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

  • 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
  • 5+ years managing multiple manufacturing facilities or large-scale manufacturing operations.
  • Demonstrated success leading Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programs.
  • Proven track record of driving organizational change and operational transformation.
  • Experience in automotive, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, or other complex manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Strong experience managing P&L responsibility and operational budgets.

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