Plant Manager

Nashville area manufacturing company has an immediate opening for an experienced Plant Manager.

The Plant Manager is accountable for the safety, performance, and continuous improvement of our highly capable manufacturing operation. This role drives profitability and customer satisfaction through disciplined execution, people development, and the thoughtful application of automation, data, and AI-enabled tools to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.

As the site leader, the Plant Manager fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives while operating effectively within a centralized financial structure.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, Culture & Safety

• Serve as the visible champion of safety, compliance, and ethical conduct, embedding EHS expectations into daily operations.
• Build a high-engagement culture focused on continuous improvement, learning, and problem solving.
• Develop, coach, and retain a versatile leadership team capable of operating in a lean, small-plant environment.

Business Performance & Financial Stewardship

• Drive plant-level financial performance, including cost control, productivity, working capital, and cash generation, within a roll-up financial model.
• Input to budgets, forecasts, and long-range plans; ensure disciplined execution against commitments.
• Ensure annual revenue, margin, and profitability targets for the facility are achieved.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Lead day-to-day operations to consistently meet or exceed Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity objectives.
• Drive lean manufacturing, TOC, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving disciplines.
• Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions; develop and execute recovery plans when performance gaps occur.
• Identify and execute high-impact improvement initiatives, balancing quick wins with long-term capability building.

Customer, Product & Growth Focus

• Own site-level customer performance metrics including quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and product/process development initiatives.
• Drive product line growth through operational readiness, capacity planning, and execution excellence.
• Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders with professionalism and credibility.

Innovation, Digital & AI Enablement

• Leverage data, analytics, and emerging AI-enabled tools to improve:
• Champion automation, standardization, and smart use of technology appropriate to plant size and return on investment.
• Partner with Engineering, IT, and Operations Leadership to pilot and scale digital improvements aligned with company strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication

• Partner closely with EHS, Engineering, Quality, Sales, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews with Division and Group leadership.
• Ensure clear, consistent communication across all levels of the organization.

Required Skills & Capabilities

• Strong leadership capability with heavy engagement with plant personnel in a hands-on environment.
• Demonstrated success driving results through lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Ability to apply digital tools, analytics, and AI-enabled insights to manufacturing and business challenges.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into execution and deliver sustained results.
• Financial acumen with experience managing costs, productivity, and operating metrics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical and executive audiences.
• High adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills

• Working knowledge of Six Sigma, SPC, and advanced quality systems.
• Experience leading automation, digitalization, or smart factory initiatives.
• Project and program management experience with measurable outcomes.
• Industry experience in high volume metal machining manufacturing operations, or similar setting.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related discipline; MS or MBA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Proven record of leading teams and delivering results through others.
• Demonstrated success in a machining or precision manufacturing environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Located in Nashville, TN with USA based ownership.