Plant Manager

Plant Manager - ManufacturingNational manufacturer seeking an experienced manufacturing leader looking to run a business, not just manage a plant. If you enjoy building accountability, structure, and results in a hands-on environment, this role offers a meaningful leadership challenge and career opportunity!We are seeking a hands-on, highly visible Plant Manager to lead our client's component remanufacturing and service facility in Columbia, South Carolina. This role is best suited for a proven site leader who thrives in a high-mix manufacturing environment, values strong shop-floor presence, and is comfortable driving accountability, safety, operational discipline, and cultural change.The Plant Manager will have full P&L ownershipand complete responsibility for plant performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and engagement. This is not a desk-based leadership role. The successful candidate will be expected to be actively involved on the floor, work through complexity, and bring structure and clarity to a growing operation.About the OperationComponent remanufacturing and manufacturing environmentProduct mix includes pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical componentsHigh product variety (100+ part types)Moderate-sized site (~65+ hourly employees, growing)Lean maturity developing and actively improvingShop-floor-intensive, industrial environment (not distribution or warehousing)Key ResponsibilitiesSite Leadership & PerformanceOwn full site P&L and operational resultsSet clear expectations, reinforce accountability, and drive executionLead exempt and hourly teams through change and growthSafety & CompliancePersonally lead EHS performance and complianceMaintain regular shop-floor presenceProactively address near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditionsEnsure compliance with regulatory, company, and customer requirementsOperational ExcellenceDrive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesImprove on-time delivery, quality, reliability, and productivityLead kaizens, 5S initiatives, and standard work developmentFinancial & Data-Driven ManagementManage cost, inventory, margin, and operational varianceEnsure accurate work-order execution and inventory controlUse metrics, KPIs, and reporting to drive decisions and accountabilityStrong comfort with Excel, data analysis, and performance trackingLeadership & CultureCoach and develop site leadershipLead through influence in a cross-functional environmentAddress underperformance directly and constructivelyBuild a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvementWhat We're Looking For:RequiredBachelor's degree - a MUST5+ years in a Plant Manager, General Manager, or equivalent site-level roleManufacturing or remanufacturing experience - heavy equipment, automotive, aerospace components (distribution/warehouse-only backgrounds are not a fit)Proven ownership of safety, delivery, cost, and people leadershipStrongly PreferredExperience in high-mix, manufacturing and remanufacturing operationsDemonstrated lean manufacturing leadershipStrong financial acumen at the plant levelHigh comfort using data, metrics, KPIs, and ExcelConfident, decisive leadership style with the ability to manage strong personalitiesLeadership Style That Succeeds HereVisible and engaged on the shop floorDirect, confident, and fairComfortable leading through complexityWilling to hold leaders accountableData-driven but people-focusedA timid, hands-off, or purely office-based leadership style will not be successful.Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive base salaryYearly bonusComprehensive health and retirement benefitsRelocation assistance available for the right candidate

Created: 2026-05-14