Plant Manager - Rigid Packaging

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a high-speed rigid packaging manufacturing facility in North Carolina. The role will have overall responsibility for safety, quality, production, efficiency, customer expectations and financial performance.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in rigid plastics, plastic injection molding or a related high-speed manufacturing environment. Experience with metal processing or metal forming would also be highly relevant. The successful candidate will be comfortable leading cross-functional teams, managing plant performance and implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations, including safety, quality, production, scheduling, shipping, maintenance and administration.
• Ensure production targets, quality standards, customer requirements and budgeted costs are achieved.
• Manage plant performance, including P&L, KPIs, cost reduction and operational efficiency.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement and proactive problem resolution across the facility.
• Lead strategic planning, capital investment, process development and resource planning.
• Maintain a safe, clean and compliant working environment while improving safety performance.
• Develop and motivate plant employees through talent reviews, performance management and regular communication.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, operations or business is preferred.
• Seven to ten years of experience in plant operations, manufacturing, engineering or process improvement, including team leadership.
• Proven success in a high-speed manufacturing environment, ideally within rigid plastics, plastic injection molding, metal processing or metal forming.
• Experience managing production, quality, maintenance, safety, financial performance and operational KPIs.
• Previous experience with Lean Manufacturing; Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Experience with process development, business process design and ISO or equivalent quality standards.
• Experience implementing or managing an operating system, such as the Toyota Production System.
• Experience in a commercial role involving direct customer contact.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving and relationship-building skills.