Plant Manager

About the Company

Alkegen brings together two of the world’s leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we deliver products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities and a global workforce of over 9,000 experienced professionals, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways. We offer dynamic career opportunities spanning production, engineering, technical roles, sales, and leadership.

About the Role

We are seeking a transformational leader to spearhead operational changes and guide our plant into a new era of efficiency, innovation, and workforce engagement. The Plant Manager will oversee all daily manufacturing operations, champion process improvements, implement best-in-class manufacturing practices, and foster a high-performance team culture. This role requires a strategic and hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces challenges, and can successfully drive change management initiatives to elevate productivity, safety, and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and high performance.
• Implement and oversee a comprehensive health, safety, and environmental management program.
• Ensure compliance with accredited quality management systems, consistently meeting customer expectations for product quality and supply.
• Define and drive the plant’s vision and strategy, focusing on continuous improvement to support business growth.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan aligned with company objectives, including achievement of financial and operational goals.
• Establish and maintain systems to monitor and minimize costs while improving quality and reducing variability in manufacturing.
• Champion change management initiatives, effectively leading individuals and teams through transitions.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across all functional levels, addressing performance gaps proactively.
• Build and develop a high-performing team through training, coaching, and mentorship programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Optimize manufacturing processes to reduce costs, improve product quality, and enhance overall efficiency.
• Oversee facility protection, including fire protection, emergency preparedness, loss control, and asset management.
• Utilize lean principles and hands-on leadership to identify, prioritize, and execute process improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Commercial and R&D teams on new product development, introduction, and process enhancements.
• Foster a culture of accountability with open and honest feedback at all organizational levels.
• Ensure talent acquisition, training, and development programs are in place, regularly coaching direct reports.

Requirements

Education: A degree in engineering or a related technical field is preferred.

Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior plant leadership role.
• Proven track record in large-scale transformations and cultural change initiatives.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L, budgets, cost control, and capital expenditures.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience in process engineering, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• A background in technical textiles, advanced materials, and automotive/aerospace is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Inspirational leadership with a commitment to integrity, accountability, and high ethical standards.
• Results-driven management style with a strong ability to implement change and drive performance.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Experience in developing leaders and fostering a culture focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.