Plant Manager

About the role

Keller Executive Search is recruiting an experienced operations leader for a client in the manufacturing sector. This permanent, fully onsite role is responsible for the safe, efficient and consistent performance of a production facility. The successful candidate will lead day-to-day operations, develop frontline leaders and employees, and drive achievement across safety, quality, output, delivery and cost. The position offers meaningful autonomy to improve processes, strengthen accountability and build sustainable operational performance. This opportunity will suit a practical, visible leader who can balance immediate production priorities with employee development and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations to achieve safety, quality, output, delivery and cost objectives.
• Set priorities for supervisors and production teams, monitor results and address operational issues promptly.
• Promote safe working practices and compliance with applicable workplace, environmental and quality requirements.
• Manage production planning, staffing, scheduling, workflow and resource allocation.
• Track operational metrics, analyze performance trends and implement corrective actions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, process reliability and product quality.
• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, supply chain and other functions to support reliable operations.
• Coach and develop supervisors and employees through clear expectations, feedback and performance management.
• Support operating budgets, labor planning and responsible use of materials and equipment.
• Communicate results, risks, priorities and improvement plans to senior leadership.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing or production operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead onsite production teams and deliver measurable operational results.
• Working knowledge of production planning, workplace safety, quality practices and performance management.
• Experience using operational data and key performance indicators to identify issues and improve results.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, solve problems and make sound decisions in a production environment.
• Effective communication, coaching and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Bachelor's degree in operations management, engineering, business or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, root-cause analysis or other continuous improvement methods.
• Experience supporting budgets, labor planning and cost-control initiatives.
• Familiarity with manufacturing information systems and production reporting tools.

Pay

• $90,000 base salary
• Annual bonus linked to performance

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Participation in a retirement savings plan
• Autonomy to manage the team within agreed operational outcomes
• Potential progression into other operations management roles across the wider organization

Schedule

• Permanent, full-time, fully onsite role with no travel required