Plant Manager – New Manufacturing Facility Launch in Napoleon, Ohio at APA SOLAR LLC

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Plant Manager to lead the startup, installation, and operational launch of our new manufacturing facility. This is a unique opportunity to build a manufacturing operation from the ground up, including equipment installation, workforce development, process implementation, and production ramp-up.
The Plant Manager will be responsible for overseeing approximately 40 employees operating automated welding systems, laser cutting equipment, and roll forming machinery. The successful candidate will combine strong technical manufacturing knowledge with proven leadership skills to establish a safe, efficient, and high-performing operation.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Startup & Equipment Launch
• Lead all activities associated with commissioning and launching a new manufacturing facility.
• Coordinate installation, testing, validation, and startup of welding, laser cutting, and roll forming equipment.
• Work closely with equipment suppliers, contractors, engineering teams, and leadership to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop production workflows, plant layout improvements, and material flow processes.
• Establish preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability standards.

Operations Management
• Direct daily manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives.
• Manage production schedules and staffing requirements to meet customer demand.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, waste reduction, and throughput optimization.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, OSHA regulations, and environmental requirements.

Leadership & Workforce Development
• Recruit, train, and develop a team of approximately 40 production employees, supervisors, and support personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and operational excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations and establish employee development plans.
• Promote employee engagement and maintain positive workforce relations.

Quality & Safety
• Establish and maintain quality systems that ensure customer requirements are consistently met.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for quality and operational issues.
• Champion a proactive safety culture with zero-incident expectations.
• Ensure all equipment and processes comply with applicable safety standards.

Financial & Strategic Responsibilities
• Manage plant budgets, labor utilization, and operational expenses.
• Support capital expenditure planning and future facility expansion initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic manufacturing objectives.
Qualifications

Required
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience launching, commissioning, or significantly expanding manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of welding, laser cutting, roll forming, and metal fabrication processes.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced production environment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred
• Experience managing greenfield manufacturing startups.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Background in metal fabrication, building products, automotive, industrial equipment, or related industries.

Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package including:
• Base salary: [$90,000 - $100,000]
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

If you are passionate about building manufacturing operations, developing teams, and leading a facility from startup through full production, we encourage you to apply.