Plant Manager

About the Role

Standex Engraving is launching a new, state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim part manufacturing facility in Fraser, MI. This start-up operation combines traditional plant management with hands-on oversight of plastic injection molding to ensure efficient, high-quality, and safe production of automotive components. The Plant Manager will build a high-performance team, establish processes, and drive continuous improvement from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics, to achieve operational, financial, and productivity goals.
• Utilize innovative capabilities to execute part production operations successfully.
• Partner with leadership and the Launch Manager to develop a multi-year strategic plan for the part production business.
• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to meet production targets and customer deadlines.
• Lead, coach, and develop department leads, production supervisors, and operators, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement process improvements for plastic injection molding operations.
• Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.) and enforce company policies with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Maintain production reports, analyze data, and recommend process optimization strategies.
• Manage site P&L, operating within budget and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Approve maintenance work, equipment purchases, and coordinate shipments with logistics and customers.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and schedules, track and approve paid time off, hours worked, and manage personnel matters including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, development, training, performance management, retention, and terminations (partnering with local HR).
• Drive proactive actions to foster employee engagement and ensure a respectful, ethical work environment.
• Communicate effectively with customers, upper management, and internal teams regarding production timing, quality, and delivery.
• Model company policies and values, promote a positive work environment, and champion safety and quality initiatives, culture surveys, and recognition programs.
• Perform miscellaneous duties in support of successful business operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• 3+ years of operational management experience in manufacturing, specifically in Class A soft trim automotive interior manufacturing, including edge-folding and finesse operations.
• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; prior experience with start-ups is desirable.
• Experience deploying, qualifying, and validating new processes in a highly automated production environment.
• Proactive approach with the ability to prioritize and act with a sense of urgency.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change, and willingness to constantly learn and adapt.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and experimental design.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret production data and solve technical challenges using first principles.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Highly knowledgeable of quality standards and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and production management software.