The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and cost-efficiency targets are achieved. This role oversees daily plant performance, workforce management, production planning, equipment and facility maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. In addition, this role plays a critical leadership role in launching a new facility, including operational readiness planning, equipment installation, process setup, staffing, and commissioning to support Voltage's growth plans.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership- Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, safety, warehousing, and logistics.
- Convert organizational goals into daily operational plans and performance targets.
- Ensure production schedules meet customer delivery requirements and cost objectives.
- Drive operational excellence through Lean, 5S, Kaizen, or Six Sigma methodologies
Safety & Compliance- Maintain a safe working environment aligned with OSHA and company EHS standards.
- Partner with safety on corrective and preventive actions for safety and quality incidents.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and internal quality standards across all manufacturing processes.
- Drive a proactive safety culture with accountability at all levels.
Team Leadership & Workforce Management- Manage and develop a cross-functional operations team including supervisors, leads, and production staff.
- Oversee staffing, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and ownership.
- Ensure production teams are trained and capable of meeting safety, quality, and productivity goals.
Production Planning & Execution- Monitor and adjust daily/weekly production plans, staffing levels, and resource allocation.
- Ensure consistent achievement of KPIs such as OEE, scrap rate, downtime, labor efficiency, and on-time delivery.
- Collaborate closely with Supply Chain to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy.
- Identify bottlenecks and manage real-time adjustments to maintain production flow.
Facility & Equipment Management- Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize unplanned downtime.
- Ensure equipment is installed, calibrated, and maintained to meet operational requirements.
- Manage facility upkeep and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards.
Budgeting & Cost Control- Develop, manage, and track the plant's operating budget and capital expenditures.
- Monitor cost drivers and identify efficiency improvements.
- Present operational performance and improvement plans to senior leadership.
Continuous Improvement- Champion process improvement initiatives that enhance throughput, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.
- Introduce best practices, automation, and technology enhancements as appropriate.
- Standardize manufacturing processes and documentation across operations.
New Facility Planning & Pre-Launch- Collaborate with executive leadership, construction teams, and engineering to execute the operational blueprint for the new facility.
- Provide input on plant layout, workflow design, equipment specification, and material flow.
- Establish pre-launch project milestones, timelines, and risk mitigations.
- Create all site-specific operational SOPs, work instructions, and collaborate on safety procedures.
Equipment Installation & Commissioning- Lead coordination of equipment delivery, installation, calibration, and testing.
- Validate equipment performance and ensure availability for production ramp-up.
- Manage vendor relationships during installation and commissioning phases.
- Oversee acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and resolve technical issues prior to go-live.
Building the Workforce- Develop a phased staffing plan aligned with build-out, initial production, and scale-up.
- Partner with HR to hire supervisors, leads, operators, quality inspectors, maintenance technicians, and warehouse staff.
- Provide input for the creation of training programs for onboarding and technical skills development.
- Establish shift structures, labor models, and workforce planning tools.
Ramp-Up & Stabilization- Track and optimize KPIs during the first 90-180 days of operation.
- Identify early bottlenecks and implement rapid improvement measures.
- Align production capacity with sales forecasts and customer demand.
- Build a structured continuous improvement roadmap for the first 12-18 months.
This job description is intended to describe the essential job functions of this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive statement of job responsibilities.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 5+ in a Plant Manager or Senior Operations role.
- Proven experience in equipment installation, plant startup, or new facility launch highly preferred.
- Strong understanding of production planning, lean manufacturing, and quality systems.
- Demonstrated ability to build and scale high-performing teams.
Preferred- Experience in manufacturing, production, or assembly operations.
- Experience with ERP/Manufacturing Execution Systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
- Six Sigma, PMP, or Lean certification.
Key Competencies- Strong project management and startup execution skills
- Operational excellence mindset
- Data-driven problem solving
- Ability to lead through change
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration
- High accountability and ownership
Physical Requirements- Ability to work on the production floor for extended periods, including standing, walking, and navigating around machinery.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 lbs as needed.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive motions.
- Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (heat, cold, noise) typical of a manufacturing setting.
- Ability to safely use hand tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.
