Plant Manager

Position Overview

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall performance, safety, and efficiency of the plant’s daily operations. This role ensures production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality, cost control, and regulatory compliance. The Plant Manager will lead a team of production supervisors, engineers, and operators, driving a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Management

• Oversee all day-to-day plant activities, including production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet output, quality, and delivery targets.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, yield, downtime, and throughput, implementing corrective actions as needed.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop production supervisors, engineers, and operators to foster a high-performance, safety-driven culture.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, training, and succession planning to build a capable and engaged team.

1. Cost & Budget Control

• Manage plant operating and capital expenditure budgets, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains.
• Optimize resource utilization (labor, materials, equipment) to achieve production goals within financial targets.

1. Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all operations adhere to quality standards (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, or local equivalents).
• Drive a “Zero Incident” safety culture through regular audits, risk assessments, and safety training programs.

1. Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve process reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts for production disruptions or quality issues.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure seamless plant operations and support new product introductions or process changes.
• Act as the primary point of contact for plant-related issues, escalating critical matters to the General Manager as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in plant operations or production management within the chemical, battery materials, or related manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record in managing P&L, driving operational efficiency, and leading teams in a multicultural environment.
• Strong knowledge of EHS regulations, quality systems, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Fluent in English.