Manager, Plant Operations at Osmundson Manufacturing Co. – Hickory, Kentucky

JOB SUMMARY

The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for overall plant performance, leading safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing operations while driving quality, delivery, and margin results. This role oversees end-to-end production processes for agricultural wear-part manufacturing and builds scalable systems, strong teams, and disciplined processes to support operational excellence and company growth.

MAIN FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across stamping/pressing, fabrication, machining, heat treating (internal or outsourced), finishing, assembly, and shipping to ensure production targets and on-time delivery commitments are achieved.
• Develop and execute production plans by managing scheduling, labor allocation, workflow balancing, and material coordination to meet customer demand and inventory objectives.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives by implementing Lean manufacturing principles, 5S, standard work, and continuous improvement practices to increase throughput and eliminate waste.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics including OEE, scrap, rework, downtime, and overall productivity through data-driven analysis and corrective action.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 quality standards and enforce inspection, testing, and root cause corrective action processes to maintain strong customer quality performance.
• Champion a proactive safety culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations, leading safety training, and driving a zero-incident mindset throughout the facility.
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable supervisors and production teams by supporting training, performance management, workforce planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Manage plant financial performance by controlling labor, overtime, scrap, overhead, energy utilization, and cost per cycle while supporting capital planning and ROI justification.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to support new product introduction, production scaling, capacity planning, and long-term operational strategy.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, or related field.
• Experience: At least 7 years in manufacturing production management or a similar role, with a proven ability to manage teams and meet production goals.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with metal forming, fabrication, or heavy industrial manufacturing. Additional experience with an ERP preferred.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven ability in team management, training, and performance goal setting.
• Safety Knowledge: Understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations in manufacturing.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience with lean manufacturing or process improvement methodologies.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, fostering collaboration.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong decision-making abilities in high-pressure situations.
• Note that this position requires ability for business related travel; frequency to be discussed.