Plant Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Plant Manager

Position Status: Salary, Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday; standard business hours; additional hours, weekends, and travel as needed

Reports To: SVP Operations

Location: De Pere location

Position Summary:

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the manufacturing facility. This role oversees all plant operations including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Plant Manager ensures efficient and cost-effective operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead and reinforce FyterTech policies, safety standards, and operational procedures; ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
2. Direct all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and logistics to achieve business objectives.
3. Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.
4. Develop and execute operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize costs.
5. Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, OTIF, scrap rates, labor efficiency, and downtime.
6. Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
7. Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to support process improvements, new product development, and equipment upgrades.
8. Lead and develop plant leadership team, including supervisors and department managers.
9. Ensure proper staffing, training, and performance management systems are in place.
10. Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team environment.
11. Manage plant budget, including labor, materials, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
12. Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety.
13. Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.
14. Ensure compliance with quality standards and support internal/external audits.
15. Communicate operational performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
16. Partner with supply chain, sales, and customer service teams to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction.
17. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues.
18. Represent the organization with customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies as needed.
19. Participate in hiring decisions and provide feedback on team performance and development.
20. Promote and support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2. 7-10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in nonwovens, textiles, or related industries.
3. Proven experience managing plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality.
4. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, bonding, converting, or similar).
5. Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements and cost reductions.
6. Strong leadership and team development skills.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
9. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
11. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
12. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
13. High level of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments. Requires frequent time on the production floor. Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and manufacturing conditions. May require standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Travel between facilities and occasional overnight travel may be required.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.