Plant Manager in Orange, Massachusetts at Rodney Hunt Inc

Job Overview:

The Plant Manager is a hands-on leader overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations within a metal fabrication environment. The ideal incumbent will have a minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, strong technical knowledge of fabrication and welding processes, and a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, employee development, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires a highly engaged leader who is comfortable working directly on the plant floor, supervising both manufacturing and office personnel, and ensuring production goals, quality standards, and operational objectives are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Lead daily plant operations including production, fabrication, welding, assembly, shipping, maintenance, and administrative functions.
• Supervise and coordinate manufacturing and office personnel to ensure efficient workflow and operational alignment.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure on-time delivery while maintaining quality and cost objectives.
• Troubleshoot operational and production issues and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure proper utilization of manpower, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity and efficiency.

Technical & Manufacturing Oversight

• Maintain strong working knowledge of metal fabrication processes, machining, and manufacturing operations.
• Provide technical oversight and support for welding operations including Stick, TIG, and MIG welding processes.
• Ensure proper machine operation, equipment setup, preventative maintenance, and safe usage of manufacturing equipment.
• Partner with engineering and production teams to improve manufacturability and operational performance.

Leadership & Employee Development

• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and mentorship to supervisors, leads, and plant employees.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability measures, and performance standards across departments.
• Develop and implement employee training and cross-training programs to improve workforce capability and flexibility.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

KPI Development & Performance Management

• Establish plant objectives and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure operational success.
• Track and analyze metrics related to:
  • Safety
  • Productivity
  • Scrap and rework
  • Quality performance
  • On-time delivery
  • Labor efficiency
  • Equipment uptime
• Present operational performance updates and improvement plan to senior leadership.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards, specifications, and company procedures.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to production or quality issues.
• Promote lean manufacturing principles and process improvement methodologies.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular safety audits, training sessions, and corrective action follow-up.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.

Plant & Facility Maintenance

• Oversee plant maintenance programs including preventative and corrective maintenance activities.
• Ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime through effective maintenance planning.
• Coordinate facility improvements and equipment upgrades as required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or technical degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years’ experience in manufacturing environment with at least 5 years in supervisory role, preferably with metal fabrication or custom products.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly walk the production floor and work in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lift to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work around welding, fabrication, and heavy manufacturing equipment.
• Must wear proper personal protective equipment in designated areas including steel-toed boots