Plant Manager

Position: Plant Manager – Steel Fabrication Operations

Reports to: President / Vice President

FLSA Status: Exempt

OVERVIEW

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day manufacturing, fabrication, and operational activities across multiple steel fabrication facilities. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for managing production employees, ensuring equipment and machinery operate efficiently, developing and implementing operational processes, and maintaining a safe, productive work environment.

The Plant Manager serves as the primary operational leader for multiple locations, working closely with management, production teams, vendors, and customers to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within quality standards. This position requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on involvement in shop operations, including troubleshooting machinery issues, supporting production employees, improving workflow efficiencies, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Manage and oversee daily operations of two steel fabrication facilities.
• Supervise, coach, train, and evaluate production employees, shop supervisors, and other operational staff.
• Monitor daily production schedules and ensure projects are completed on time and according to customer requirements.
• Establish work priorities and allocate labor resources to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Maintain a visible presence on the shop floor and provide hands-on leadership and support to employees.
• Troubleshoot production challenges and assist employees with machinery, equipment, and operational issues.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve shop processes, workflows, and operational procedures.
• Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for productivity improvements.
• Monitor quality standards and ensure all fabricated products meet company and customer specifications.
• Ensure compliance with all OSHA, safety, environmental, and company policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, facility inspections, and employee training programs.
• Collaborate with estimating, project management, purchasing, and sales teams to support project execution.
• Monitor labor hours, production metrics, material usage, and operational costs.
• Assist with workforce planning, scheduling, hiring, onboarding, and employee development.
• Maintain accurate production, inventory, maintenance, and operational records.
• Coordinate intercompany operations and workflow between both facility locations.
• Recommend equipment purchases, facility improvements, and capital expenditures to support business growth.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Support management with budgeting, forecasting, and strategic operational planning.
• Respond to customer concerns, production issues, and operational challenges as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing, fabrication, or steel industry experience required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment required.
• Strong knowledge of steel fabrication processes, shop equipment, welding operations, and material handling practices required.
• Experience implementing operational improvements and lean manufacturing principles preferred.
• Experience with production scheduling, workforce management, and operational planning required.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and manufacturing safety practices required.

Skills

• Strong leadership and employee management abilities.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot machinery and equipment issues.
• Strong understanding of steel fabrication, welding, machining, and production processes.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to develop and implement efficient operational processes.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across two locations simultaneously.
• Experience with ERP, inventory management, and production management software preferred.
• Strong conflict resolution and employee development skills.
• Ability to lead by example and work effectively in a hands-on environment.
• Sound business judgment and professional decision-making skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position regularly works in both manufacturing and office environments.
• While performing duties in the shop, the employee will be exposed to moving mechanical equipment, forklifts, cranes, welding operations, dust, noise, and varying temperatures.
• The noise level in the manufacturing environment is frequently moderate to loud.
• Regular travel between company locations is required.
• Occasional extended hours may be necessary to meet production schedules, customer requirements, or operational needs.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person