Plant Manager

Smardt is a global pioneer in oil‑free centrifugal chiller technology with an expanding portfolio of thermal‑management solutions for industries, real‑estate developments, health‑care and educational centers worldwide. The company operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Germany, China and Australia and employs over 900 people. Smardt focuses on reliability, performance, environmental stewardship and advanced engineering to deliver high‑efficiency, energy‑saving systems.

Role Overview

The Plant Manager will lead the startup and operational launch of Smardt’s new Phoenix manufacturing facility, building the entire plant organization from the ground up, implementing world‑class manufacturing practices, and transitioning the site from project phase to steady‑state operations. Once operational, the Plant Manager will oversee production, maintenance, engineering and continuous‑improvement activities to achieve cost, quality and delivery goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site startup and commissioning of the Phoenix manufacturing facility.
• Define facility layout, equipment requirements and production‑line setup aligned with product portfolio and future capacity.
• Oversee construction, utilities and EHS compliance to ensure readiness for manufacturing operations.
• Develop and execute recruitment plans for all plant functions (production, quality, engineering, logistics, maintenance, etc.).
• Establish operational procedures, including production flow, safety standards, material movement and shop‑floor control.
• Collaborate with Corporate Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality to ensure alignment with Smardt global standards.
• Drive installation and validation of machinery, tooling and ERP systems (NAV/Business Central or equivalent).
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Create the initial budget, KPIs and headcount plan for plant operations.
• Support the PMO during the project execution phase, including technology/process transfer, localization strategy, launch/ramp governance, product compliance/quality readiness, capital/project budget responsibility and S&OP/capacity alignment.
• Lead all plant operations once the facility is operational, covering production, maintenance, quality, materials and EHS.
• Achieve production targets, safety performance, delivery reliability and cost efficiency.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement programs.
• Build and maintain a high‑performance team culture focused on accountability and results.
• Partner with HR for ongoing training, performance management and leadership development.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain and Finance.
• Monitor KPIs such as conversion cost, OTD, FPY, safety, productivity, scrap and inventory turns.
• Serve as the primary liaison with corporate and executive teams for reporting, compliance and strategic alignment.
• Partner closely with TICA and Smardt global Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams to enable effective product and manufacturing knowledge transfer.
• Work with the SmardtAir Commercial team to align production capacity, customer requirements, order pipeline and delivery commitments.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Procurement and Materials to ensure material availability, supplier readiness, inventory strategy and progressive localization of the supply base.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Quality to ensure product industrialization, manufacturing readiness, product compliance and successful introduction of new products and configurations.
• Partner with HR, EHS, Finance and other corporate functions to establish and scale workforce, safety, financial and operational systems in line with the plant ramp‑up plan.
• Act as the primary site interface between Phoenix and Smardt/TICA leadership, communicating startup milestones, risks, resource requirements and operational performance.
• Perform other tasks as appropriate.

Skills

• Strong leadership and organizational‑development abilities.
• Proven experience building teams and systems from zero.
• Excellent understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S and Continuous Improvement.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced startup environment.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing‑metrics dashboards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).
• Proven experience in Greenfield/Brownfield plant startup projects, preferably in HVAC (air‑handling units), metal fabrication or complex assembly manufacturing.
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including 5+ years in a leadership role as Plant Manager or equivalent.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand and inspect shop‑floor environments daily.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lb may be required.
• Must comply with all plant safety and PPE requirements.

Pay

Competitive salary plus an annual performance bonus.

Benefits

• 100 % employer‑paid medical and dental benefits from day 1.
• Tele‑Health service paid by the employer.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions up to 6 %.
• Dynamic team within a high‑growth company.
• Company events and team‑building activities.
• Ongoing training and professional‑development opportunities.