OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE - PLANT MANAGER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
BUILD YOUR FUTURE. LEAD MANUFACTURING. BECOME A PLANT MANAGER.
Our Operations Management Associate (OMA) - Plant Manager Development Program is designed to develop the next generation of Plant Managers through a structured combination of hands-on manufacturing experience, executive mentorship, and progressive leadership assignments.
This is more than a job-it is a leadership development program with a clear career path. High-performing associates are typically promoted into a Plant Manager position within two years or less, based on performance and business needs.
If you are a driven operations leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex challenges, and driving operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually
The final offer will be based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. In addition to competitive compensation, International Wire Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, paid holidays, and ongoing leadership development.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As an Operations Management Associate, you will participate in a structured leadership development program that provides comprehensive exposure to manufacturing operations while preparing you for future Plant Manager responsibilities.
Your experience will include:
• Rotating through key manufacturing operations including rod breakdown, wire drawing, bunching, stranding, cabling, plating, quality, maintenance, shipping and receiving, and production planning.
• Learning International Wire Group's manufacturing processes, systems, quality standards, and production specifications.
• Shadowing supervisors and department leaders across multiple shifts to gain firsthand operational experience.
• Partnering with Plant Leadership to review production metrics, staffing plans, financial reporting, and operational performance.
• Participating in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Building strong partnerships across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Planning, and Corporate Leadership.
• Developing leadership skills by coaching employees, solving operational challenges, and driving business results.
• Demonstrating ownership by identifying issues early, communicating effectively, and implementing solutions that improve plant performance.
Following successful completion of the development program, you will transition into an Operations Leadership role (typically Plant Superintendent), where you will lead supervisors and manufacturing teams responsible for:
• Safety
• Quality
• On-Time Delivery
• Productivity
• Work-in-Process (WIP)
• Employee Development
• Continuous Improvement
This leadership assignment provides the experience necessary before advancing into a Plant Manager role.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
• 5-10 years of progressive manufacturing operations leadership experience.
• Proven success leading teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and operational performance.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High integrity with sound decision-making skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations, Business, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action experience.
• Manufacturing equipment or maintenance experience.
• High learning agility with a desire to become a hands-on student of the manufacturing process.
WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL
We're looking for leaders who:
• Lead with integrity and accountability.
• Thrive in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Enjoy working directly with production teams.
• Build strong relationships through collaboration.
• Coach and develop high-performing teams.
• Use data to drive decisions.
• Embrace continuous improvement.
• Take ownership and deliver results.
TRAVEL & FLEXIBILITY
Candidates must be willing to:
• Travel between International Wire Group manufacturing locations during the development program.
• Work flexible schedules, including occasional evenings and weekends, as business needs require.
• Relocate upon promotion into a Plant Manager position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role combines office responsibilities with significant time on the manufacturing floor. Associates will work alongside production teams, engineers, maintenance professionals, supervisors, and plant leadership to gain a complete understanding of manufacturing operations.
READY TO LEAD?
If you're ready to grow your manufacturing leadership career and prepare to lead one of our facilities, we encourage you to apply today.
Join International Wire Group, a Pantheon Electric Company, and help shape the future of manufacturing.
