Plant Manager at Virnig Manufacturing, Inc. – Fort Madison, Iowa

Virnig Manufacturing operates multiple plant locations, each led by a Plant Manager responsible for driving performance, developing people, and ensuring operational excellence. The Plant Manager for our Fort Madison, IA facility will play a critical role in launching a new manufacturing operation. This position is responsible for building the plant from the ground up, including establishing processes, hiring and developing the team, and creating a culture of accountability and execution. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires the ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment while setting structure, driving results, and leading through change.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $90,000 – $125,000 annually

Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous PTO including vacation and paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Opportunities for growth and development

Startup & Build Responsibilities

• Lead plant startup activities including layout readiness, workflow development, and operational setup
• Partner with HR and leadership to execute hiring plans and workforce ramp-up
• Establish standard work, processes, and performance expectations from day one
• Build and develop the initial leadership team and frontline structure
• Identify gaps quickly and implement solutions to support production readiness

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to all plant employees, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, assigning work, evaluating performance, rewarding, and addressing employee concerns
• Drive production performance to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets
• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, workflow optimization, and on-time shipping
• Monitor plant performance using key metrics; analyze data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement
• Make timely decisions in a fast-moving environment, especially during early-stage operations

Culture & Team Development

• Establish and reinforce a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and mentorship to develop team members and build future leaders
• Set clear expectations and hold leaders and employees accountable for performance and behavior

Compliance & Collaboration

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, company policies, and quality standards
• Collaborate with other facilities and departments to align processes, support production planning, and drive company-wide goals
• Participate in strategic planning, capital spending, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Meet monthly budgeting and financial performance expectations
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field preferred; high school diploma required
• 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations
• Experience in plant startup, expansion, or significant operational change preferred
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably in fabrication, machining, or heavy equipment

Skills:

• Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team management skills with the ability to guide, motivate, and support a high-performing workforce.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze data and use insights to inform decisions, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Representing the organization to customers and other external sources.
• Active Listening: Demonstrates strong listening skills by attentively engaging with others.
• Communicating with Team Members, and Co-Workers: Providing information to team members and co-workers by telephone, in written form, email, virtually, or in person.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Gathering Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Ability to multitask and work on multiple projects simultaneously while keeping deadlines at the forefront.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to move about between offices and attend meetings which may include ascending or descending stairs.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in person and over the phone using the English language.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment such as a computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, copier, and printer with precision and efficiency.