Plant Director I

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.

About the role

The Plant Director leads site operations to deliver strong performance in safety, quality, delivery, and financial results through strong employee engagement. This role sets the direction for the facility, develops a high-performing team, ensures compliance, and drives continuous improvement to meet business and customer expectations. Qualified candidates must be able to work an on-site schedule at our Cresco, IA facility daily.

Responsibilities

• Ensures a strong and effective culture within the plant in the areas of safety, quality, and manufacturing excellence.
• Cultivates a highly engaged and accountable workforce, championing teamwork and commitment.
• Leads teams across Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain within the manufacturing facility.
• Oversees Environmental Health and Safety programs to ensure compliance to regulatory bodies and creating a safe work environment for our employees.
• Exceeds customer expectations through delivering high on-time delivery and high-quality performance with lower PPM.
• Develops and is responsible for meeting operational financial budget including manufacturing cost, Capital Expenditure, and Inventory.
• Drives profit optimization through developing and implementing cost reduction projects for labor, material, and overhead.
• Maintains optimal inventory level to meet customer demand while meeting cash conversion targets.
• Develops strategic plans incorporating breakthrough objectives to drive continuous sustainable improvements within the facility to continue the journey as a world-class manufacturing operation.
• Develops, recommends, and executes short- and long-range strategic plans related to plant footprint, equipment, staffing, and other resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including 5+ years of people leadership.
• Proven ability to manage safety, quality, delivery, cost, budgets, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or MBA.
• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including plant-level or multi-function responsibility.
• Working experience in ERP systems, preferably Oracle.
• Experience managing complex operations with responsibility for SQDC, inventory, and P&L performance.
• Working knowledge of EHS requirements, quality systems, Lean manufacturing, and manufacturing financial drivers.
• Proven success directing operations and people leadership in a unionized workplace.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, change management, and collaboration skills.
• Lean Six Sigma, APICS/ASCM, PMP, OSHA, or similar certification.
• Experience leading cultural transformation, employee engagement, and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Annual incentive plan based on performance and company growth.
• Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits program including health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave), and more.

This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Applicants must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship.