We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead overall manufacturing operations and drive safety, quality, productivity, profitability, and continuous improvement. This individual will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across production, maintenance, supply chain, quality, and workforce management while fostering a collaborative culture built on accountability, respect, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within an engineered-to-order or industrial steel manufacturing environment, along with a proven ability to improve processes, optimize resources, and deliver measurable business results.
Position Responsibilities
Plant Leadership and Operations
- Lead and oversee all aspects of plant operations, including safety, quality, production, maintenance, procurement, logistics, and cost management.
- Communicate a clear vision, strategy, and operational objectives for the facility.
- Develop and execute tactical business plans to support operational and financial goals.
- Set clear performance expectations and hold teams accountable for achieving results.
- Monitor plant performance and adjust priorities and resources as needed to meet customer demands.
Safety and Compliance
- Oversee employee and plant safety while ensuring compliance with OSHA requirements, company policies, and applicable regulations.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to established processes and protocols.
- Support quality control and testing requirements for manufactured products.
- Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and operational performance.
Financial and Resource Management
- Develop and administer operating budgets and activities to maximize investments and improve efficiency.
- Oversee plant costs, resource allocation, and cost accounting activities.
- Support P&L management and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Optimize inventory, plant capacity, workflow, and process planning capabilities.
Manufacturing and Maintenance
- Partner with maintenance teams, vendors, and contractors to coordinate preventive maintenance and ensure equipment reliability.
- Oversee manufacturing operations involving steel fabrication processes and equipment.
- Maintain awareness of machinery and tools used in production, including plasma tables, saws, press brakes, welders, and CNC equipment.
- Support effective scheduling and staging of work to meet production and customer requirements.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify and lead short- and long-term continuous improvement initiatives.
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve productivity, efficiency, delivery performance, and process consistency.
- Streamline and standardize workflows to increase plant capacity and operational flexibility.
- Drive initiatives focused on manufacturing excellence and best-in-class performance.
Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing plant workforce.
- Identify talent and take ownership of staffing, development, and retention initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative environment focused on respect, empowerment, accountability, and results.
- Coordinate closely with project management, purchasing, engineering, and other departments to align resources and priorities.
- Provide leadership and direction for critical tasks and ensure work is completed effectively and on schedule.
Prerequisites
- Minimum of 5 years of experience managing overall manufacturing or plant operations.
- Experience overseeing safety, quality, procurement, logistics, maintenance, budgeting, and operational performance.
- Strong background in an engineered-to-order manufacturing environment.
- Experience in industrial steel manufacturing or steel fabrication is strongly preferred.
- Experience managing moderate to complex projects involving materials and manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of steel fabrication processes, including cutting, fitting, welding, and related production activities.
- Familiarity with manufacturing equipment such as plasma tables, saws, press brakes, welders, and CNC machinery.
- Strong understanding of quality control, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing testing processes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
- Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
- Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
- OSHA or other relevant safety certifications.
What the Role Offers
- Competitive salary range of $130,000 to $165,000, based on experience and qualifications.
- A key leadership role with responsibility for overall plant performance and operational strategy.
- The opportunity to lead safety, quality, production, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Significant involvement in process optimization, capacity planning, resource management, and profitability.
- The ability to build and develop a high-performing manufacturing team.
- Opportunities to make a measurable impact on productivity, efficiency, customer delivery, and long-term operational success.
Why Anniston?
Anniston offers a strong industrial and manufacturing environment with access to skilled talent and a strategic location within the southeastern United States. The area provides a lower cost of living, access to outdoor recreation, and convenient connections to larger metropolitan markets. Professionals relocating to Anniston can find opportunities to build a rewarding career while enjoying a community-oriented lifestyle and access to the natural beauty of northeast Alabama.