Plant Manager
Lee Industries - Conover, NC
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JOB TITLE: Plant Manager DEPARTMENT: Operations REPORTS: Director of Operations FLSA: Exempt SUPERVISES: Production Managers and indirectly @175 hourly employees Position Summary: Partnering with the Director of Operations, the Plant Manager is responsible for day-to-day plant operations as it relates to production, quality assurance, scheduling, process improvement, employee training and safety. Responsible for the location's compliance with policies and procedures - including Customer expectations. The information below is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions. Essential Functions & Responsibilities: Responsible for daily, weekly, and monthly production performance/KPIs for the Plant, which includes Upholstery, Sewing, Cutting and Stock Room departments. Execute the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength, operating efficiency, and quality standards. Provides direct leadership and guidance to Production Managers and Supervisors on hiring decisions, attendance and timekeeping management, training execution, and performance review processes. Collects, monitors and reacts to operational daily, weekly, and monthly KPIs, creates forecasting and department budgets. Collaborates with department heads to launch companywide initiatives. Act as liaison between department management/executive/department manager levels to inform personnel of communications, decisions, policies, and all matters that affect their performance and results. Partner with Production to develop and implement a downtime/efficiency tracking system to minimize operational losses due to equipment failures. Manage small- and large-scale projects; Assist with various special projects and company initiatives. Sets goals and objectives for the operations management team to include personal development. Achieve optimum employee levels with least amount of overhead and raw material costs to meet annual budgetary plan. Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs that guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation. Identify, recommend and implement changes to improve productivity and reduce cost and scrap, monitor scrap and rework data. Direct the establishment, implementation and maintenance of production standards. Direct and coordinate various programs essential to manufacturing procedures (e.g., training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, security, etc.). Initiate and coordinate major projects, (e.g., plant layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc.). Participates on internal committees as a leader and/or facilitator. Ensure all decision making supports, sustains, drives and optimizes LEE Industries culture. Assists with Training and Orientation of Employees. Elevates complaints, resolves problems, seeks Leadership input and collaboration. Ensures proper PPE's and Safety procedures are followed. Carries out Managerial responsibilities in accordance with the Company's policies and applicable laws. Performs any other functions and duties assigned and necessary for the smooth and efficient operations of LEE Industries and Artisant Lane Collective. Experience & Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 5 years in a plant or production leadership role within a furniture, wood products, upholstery, or similar labor-intensive manufacturing environment. 3-5 years supervising Managers & Exempt staff in a manufacturing environment. Experience developing systems and workflows in a customer-oriented business that supports a growing company. Experience in managing various levels of employees with different educational backgrounds, work style habits, and employment histories. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Proven experience leading large hourly workforces in multi-shift operations, including labor planning, staffing, training, and performance management. Strong working knowledge of furniture manufacturing processes such as upholstery, finishing, assembly, machining, or materials handling. Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable gains in productivity, throughput, quality, inventory turns, or cost reduction. Knowledge of the Manufacturing process Knowledge of Business practices and acumen; makes decisions with an enterprise-wide lens. Skilled in consultative methods, able to effectively coach, negotiate, positively influence/ lead stakeholders. Skilled in verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal communication. Ability to be forward thinking, customer-oriented, and solution-minded mindset. Ability to be accountable to conduct business in a manner compliant with policies and procedures and internal controls applicable to their role. Ability to be charisma and create credibility necessary to build relationships and motivate and influence others. Ability to be an implementor, understand urgency and can balance priorities. Ability to maintain a pleasant and tactful manner, have an openness with all employees and can have difficult conversations. Ability to work cross-functionally, especially with Finance, Human Resources, IT, Continuous Improvement, Customer Service and Corporate Leadership. Technology/ Communication Skills: English language: speaking, reading, and writing skills needed to complete complex required customer and vendor documentation. Able to effectively lead & facilitate group meetings, and respond to questions from employees and leadership. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or similar software. Knowledge of various ERP systems and software. Travel & Other Requirements: 10-20% of local travel within the state Occasional weekends and evenings will be needed related to company events, travel, or deadline sensitive projects. Physical Requirements & Work Environment The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed primarily in an office environment at a desk in front of a computer within an office setting, must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. Must be able to operate general office equipment. Noise exposure due to machinery, conveyor belts, and production equipment. Regularly required to walk, stand, bend, twist, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel and crouch. Raise and lower an object from one level to another, less than 50 lbs. Good (corrected) eyesight and hand/eye coordination. In Plant production facilities/areas- where an employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, dust and weather conditions and standard hazards within a manufacturing plant. Safety precautions and personal protective equipment must be maintained at all times. Our facilities and offices maintain good housekeeping practices to eliminate hazards to employees to the extent practicable and encourages employees to maintain good hygiene practices.
Created: 2026-03-04