About the RoleThe Managing Director is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the Tekkote plant in Leonia, NJ. This role ensures all business goals and objectives are achieved through effective leadership, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and people management. The Managing Director drives business performance, fosters a culture of safety and continuous improvement, and ensures the plant remains competitive, innovative, and customer-focused.
Your Mission- Define and execute the plant's strategic plan in alignment with corporate goals and growth objectives.
- Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with internal processes, contractor requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Lead all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, and logistics, driving operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies.
- Own the plant's financial performance, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, financial planning, cost optimization, and capital investments.
- Develop and inspire high-performing management and operational teams while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders while identifying market trends and new business opportunities.
- Drive product portfolio development to support profitable growth and sustainability objectives.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
- Coach, mentor, and develop direct reports through regular feedback, succession planning, training, and leadership development initiatives.
- Promote transparent communication and organizational alignment across all levels of the business.
Your Profile- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
- 7-10+ years of progressive leadership experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Production Manager, or similar leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience leading a fast-paced, competitive, cost-driven manufacturing operation, ideally within a process manufacturing industry.
- Strong track record of driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and safety performance.
- P&L management experience with demonstrated success managing budgets, financial KPIs, and profitability initiatives.
- Experience operating within a complex matrix organization.
- Knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, statistical methodologies, and continuous improvement tools.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Strong leadership, coaching, talent development, and succession planning capabilities.
- Excellent communication, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to drive results, influence stakeholders, and lead change across multiple organizational levels.
- Previous B2B sales exposure is preferred.
- English required; Spanish language skills preferred.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data warehousing, IT processes, and business systems.
- Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules as business needs require.
Our Offer- Comprehensive base salary ($150,000-$200,000/YR) plus a variable bonus
- Full Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
- 401k Retirement Savings Plan, fully vested and company match
- An interesting job within the packaging & paper industry
- Opportunities for professional growth
