Gates

Plant Manager

Gates$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience, with 5+ years in plant leadership.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, operations, or business (MBA preferred).
  • Hands-on experience in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing.
  • Strong technical knowledge of Quality methodologies and Health & Safety standards.
  • Ability to manage ambiguity and make decisions under pressure.
  • Analytical problem solver with strong communication skills.
  • Passionate about workplace safety and enforcing safety standards.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, logistics, and supply chain.
  • Drive rapid problem identification, escalation, and resolution.
  • Manage plant performance using SQDCI metrics.
  • Oversee full plant P&L responsibilities, including cost variance and productivity improvement.
  • Initiate improvements in labor efficiency and machine utilization.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost-out roadmap execution.
  • Champion a zero-incident culture and promote Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Benefits

  • Full-Time position with Bonus Eligibility.
  • Relocation assistance provided.
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision insurance starts on the first day of the month after hire.
  • Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation, plus 11 holidays and 8 sick days.
  • Flexible Time Off options available.
  • 401(k) plan with 3% company contribution and additional 3% match.
  • Tuition Reimbursement eligibility.
Full Job Description
What to Expect

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Elizabethtown, KY plant, you will be a Plant Manager.

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations to ensure efficient production, high-quality output, and adherence to safety standards. This role leads the planning, organizing, and directing of daily activities at the plant, driving continuous improvement initiatives and cost reduction programs. The Plant Manager fosters a culture of operational excellence, teamwork, and employee development while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. They collaborate cross-functionally to optimize resources, resolve production challenges, and meet customer expectations, ultimately contributing to the company's profitability and growth.

Key Responsibilities (to name a few)

  • Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, logistics, and supply chain. Deliver on Annual Operating Plan (AOP), monthly, quarterly , and annually.
  • Drive rapid problem identification, escalation, and resolution.
  • Own plant performance through structured management of SQDCI metrics.
  • Own full plan P&L including: absorption performance, cost variance management, productivity improvement.
  • Drive initiatives to improve labor efficiency, machine utilization, and fixed cost leverage.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cost-out roadmap execution.
  • Lead and sustain Lean Manufacturing and CI initiatives.
  • Own and prioritize Plant PD Backlog.
  • Establish and enforce Leader Standard Work (LSW) through daily Gemba walks, KPI review routines, and coaching.
  • Champion a zero-incident culture.
  • Build and develop a high-performance leadership team.
  • Deploy best practices across operations and benchmark performance.
  • Ensure adherence to internal and customer quality requirements.
  • Fosters a collaborative and empowered work environment that supports full compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreement


About You

  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience, including 5+ year in plant leadership.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, operations, business (MBA preferred)
  • Hands-on experience in Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing environments
  • Strong technical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, World Class Quality methodologies, and best-in-class Health and Safety standards
  • Acts as a change agent, driving a culture of continuous improvement
  • Skilled at managing ambiguity and making sound decisions in high-pressure situations
  • Analytical problem solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Manages conflict promptly and professionally
  • Drives performance accountability at all levels, providing effective feedback to promote employee growth
  • Passionate about workplace safety with a strong ability to set and enforce safety standards
  • Possesses strong financial discipline, business acumen, and organizational skills
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

PAY & BENEFITS
  1. Full-Time
  2. Bonus Eligible
  3. Relocation is provided
  4. Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
  5. Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
  6. Eligible for Flexible Time Off
  7. 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
  8. Tuition Reimbursement

About Gates

Gates Industrial Corporation plc, based in Denver, Colorado, is a manufacturer of power transmission belts and fluid power products, which are used in diverse industrial and automotive applications. The company employs over 14,000 and has sales and manufacturing operations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Learn more about Gates
Size
15,050 employees
Market Cap
$3.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$79.4 million
5 Year Trend
+4.8%
Revenue
$2.7 billion
NASDAQ

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