Position Overview:

GTI is seeking a Plant Manager to support the planning, launch, and sustainment of manufacturing operations for new and existing production facilities in Buffalo, NY. This is a unique opportunity to participate directly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing facilities and production lines while helping scale operations to support company growth.

The Plant Manager will work closely with Company ownership, Engineering, Operations, and facility planning teams to support facility layout development, process implementation, manufacturing efficiency initiatives, and operational readiness activities. Once operational, this role will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day manufacturing operations for the facility including production execution, workforce leadership, safety, quality, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading manufacturing operations within fabrication, industrial manufacturing, modular assembly, or engineered-to-order production environments and possess a strong operational leadership background focused on execution, scalability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Planning & Operational Development

• Partner with Engineering and Operations teams in the design layout and process development for new manufacturing facilities and production lines
• Provide operational guidance related to manufacturing practicality, workflow efficiency, and implementation of proposed processes and procedures
• Support planning and implementation activities associated with facility expansion, manufacturing readiness, and operational scalability
• Directly interface with contractors, vendors, suppliers, and distributors supporting facility development and operational initiatives
• Provide facility maintenance oversight and operational support during facility planning and startup activities
• Support implementation of manufacturing systems, workflows, and operational standards aligned with production requirements

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations across the facility
• Provide leadership and direction to hourly production staff and operational teams
• Drive production output, operational efficiency, product quality, and on-time delivery performance
• Allocate labor, equipment, and operational resources to maximize throughput and manufacturing performance
• Increase production capacity and operational flexibility while minimizing unnecessary cost and maintaining quality standards
• Monitor daily operations and implement corrective actions to support operational targets and schedule execution

Safety, Quality & Operational Performance

• Commit to and enforce plant safety procedures, policies, and operational standards
• Support a strong safety culture through accountability, engagement, and operational discipline
• Ensure manufacturing operations support quality expectations, process compliance, and customer requirements
• Collect and analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies, waste, downtime, or overtime reduction opportunities
• Develop systems and processes that track productivity, operational metrics, standards, and performance targets
• Drive operational accountability across production, safety, quality, and delivery performance metrics

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Implement operational strategies aligned with company initiatives and long-term growth objectives
• Provide clear direction, leadership, and focus across manufacturing operations
• Develop strategic initiatives for the facility and partner cross-functionally to execute operational improvements
• Support continuous improvement activities focused on manufacturing efficiency, process optimization, and operational scalability
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and operational execution
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Leadership teams to improve overall manufacturing performance

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Plant Manager or senior manufacturing operations leader
• Proven experience overseeing multiple departments and managing plant operations within manufacturing environments
• Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and people management
• Prior experience supporting the design and implementation of new production lines or manufacturing facilities
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial equipment, and production workflows
• Knowledge of safety, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational stewardship processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Strong team building, leadership, decision-making, and people management skills

Preferred Industry Background

• High-mix, low-volume manufacturing
• Modular fabrication or industrial assembly
• Structural steel fabrication or welding operations
• Electrical integration or industrial equipment manufacturing
• Contract manufacturing environments
• Data center, energy, defense, or heavy industrial manufacturing

$125,000 - $180,000 a year