Plant manager

About the role

Location: Topeka, KS area (Onsite). The client is a private equity-backed manufacturer specializing in precision-engineered components used in a variety of demanding industrial applications. With a long-standing operating history, an established customer base, and an experienced workforce, the company is entering an exciting period of investment and expansion. The organization is seeking a hands-on manufacturing leader who can introduce stronger operating discipline, establish meaningful performance metrics, and modernize plant processes while building on the company's existing strengths. Supported by an experienced ownership group with a long-term investment outlook, the business is positioned for continued growth through operational improvements and future acquisitions. This is an opportunity to play a foundational role in that journey, with the potential for expanded responsibilities as the organization grows. What makes this opportunity unique: genuine ownership of plant operations, direct access to executive leadership, and support from an established ownership group committed to investing in the business. The company is open to high‑performing Operations Managers or senior Production Leaders ready to assume full plant leadership and broader P&L responsibility, offering meaningful autonomy to shape the plant's future operating structure, strengthen the leadership team, and establish processes needed for continued expansion. The culture operates within a close‑knit manufacturing community where established relationships, employee loyalty, and practical leadership are essential; success requires balancing operational improvements with respect for the workforce's experience and company history through a patient, approachable, and action‑oriented leadership style. The role reports directly to the CEO and oversees all floor functions (CNC machining, assembly, quality, shipping/receiving) managing approximately 100 production employees in a non‑union shop.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Plant Performance: Direct daily manufacturing activities across CNC machining, assembly, quality, and shipping and receiving, with accountability for productivity, throughput, operating costs, and overall plant performance.
• Establish KPI‑Driven Management: Develop and implement appropriate performance metrics, reporting standards, and review routines to improve operational visibility and provide leadership with timely, actionable insights.
• Provide Hands‑On Shop‑Floor Leadership: Maintain a consistent presence on the production floor, building strong relationships with employees and encouraging engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and Strengthen the Team: Evaluate existing talent, identify development opportunities, coach and train employees, and make organizational adjustments as needed to build an effective production team.
• Standardize Manufacturing Processes: Replace informal, knowledge‑dependent practices with documented procedures, consistent workflows, and repeatable operating standards that support efficiency and scalability.
• Partner with Executive Leadership and Ownership: Work directly with the CEO and, over time, the private equity sponsor to improve plant performance, execute operational priorities, and support the company's long‑term growth strategy.

Requirements

• 7–10+ years of progressive, hands‑on manufacturing leadership experience, with direct accountability for plant performance in roles such as Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or comparable production leadership positions.
• Broad operational knowledge of CNC machining, assembly, quality control, and shipping and receiving, including both automated production processes and manual assembly operations.
• Demonstrated ability to introduce structure, establish KPI‑driven performance management, and implement standardized procedures in manufacturing environments with informal or inconsistent processes.
• Strong shop‑floor leadership presence, with the ability to earn trust, engage employees, and motivate an experienced, long‑tenured workforce through direct involvement and visible leadership.
• Ability to work closely with executive leadership, communicate production results effectively, and translate operational performance into clear, consistent reporting.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical manufacturing leadership experience.
• Willingness and ability to live and work in a small, close‑knit manufacturing community.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a private equity‑backed manufacturing company or an organization that has recently undergone an acquisition.
• Familiarity with M&A integration, multi‑site manufacturing operations, or an interest in taking on broader responsibilities in these areas.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification, or comparable experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as 5S and Kaizen.
• Background in precision machining, engineering‑driven manufacturing, or the production of specialized industrial components.
• Experience designing, restructuring, or developing a plant‑level organizational structure to support improved performance and future growth.