Plant Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at our Santa Ana, CA facility. This individual will oversee all aspects of plant operations, drive cultural transformation, and ensure excellence in quality, safety, efficiency, and employee engagement. The position requires a strong, bilingual leader with a proven track record in Lean manufacturing, team building, and strategic planning.

The Plant Manager will manage daily operations for the plant operations. The role reports directly to General Manager and will play a critical part in fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Manage daily plant operations, ensuring production targets are met with high quality and efficiency.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, leveraging Lean principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee seasonal scaling of the workforce, ensuring smooth transitions during peak demand.

Culture & Team Building

• Champion a positive work culture by fostering respect, accountability, and open communication.
• Collaborate with HR to address employee concerns, implement policies, and enhance engagement.
• Lead training initiatives to upskill team members and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Quality & Safety Management

• Ensure all operations meet or exceed quality standards and customer expectations.
• Maintain a strong focus on workplace safety, driving compliance with OSHA and other regulatory requirements.
• Conduct regular safety and quality audits, addressing gaps proactively.

Financial & Strategic Planning

• Manage the plant’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations while maintaining high standards.
• Develop production forecasts and schedules to align with business objectives.
• Monitor and control operational expenses to drive profitability.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Serve as the primary point of contact for plant operations, providing regular updates to General Manager.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including HR, Quality, and Supply Chain, to optimize performance.
• Analyze KPIs and present actionable insights to leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish and English, with strong communication skills in both .
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Proven success in implementing Lean manufacturing principles.
• Supervisory experience with small teams (under 50 employees).
• Expertise in quality control, safety, and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change and foster accountability.

• Familiarity with California labor laws and regulations.
• Experience in seasonal workforce management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Key Competencies

• Leadership and vision to inspire change and engage employees.
• Problem-solving skills to address operational challenges effectively.
• Collaboration and communication skills to work across all levels of the organization.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements for the Plant Manager role include the following, based on the operational demands of the facility:

• Strength and Stamina: Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds occasionally. Endurance for prolonged periods of standing or walking.
• Mobility: Ability to move freely throughout the facility, including climbing stairs or ladders. Flexibility to bend, kneel, squat, or crouch to inspect equipment or areas.
• Reaching and Manual Dexterity: Frequent reaching above shoulder height or below waist level. Precision with tools, buttons, or machinery controls.
• Visual and Auditory Acuity: Clear vision to read documents, inspect products, and monitor equipment. Hearing sufficient to recognize alarms, machine noises, and verbal instructions.
• Environmental Tolerance: Comfort working in varied environments, including exposure to noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals. Ability to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, gloves, or respirators.
• Walking and Standing: Capacity to work on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete floors) for extended periods.
• Pushing and Pulling: Ability to move carts, equipment, or materials occasionally.
• Climbing and Balancing: Climbing on ladders or elevated platforms safely.
• Work Duration: Tolerance for long shifts or irregular hours during peak operational periods. Ability to be on-call for emergencies or critical issues.
• Office Ergonomics: Ability to alternate between office work (e.g., sitting at a desk) and plant floor activities.
• Travel: Capability to drive or travel between sites or to off-site meetings if necessary.
• Equipment Use: Experience with forklifts or other heavy machinery if overseeing such operations is part of the role.

This job description is meant to give you a sense of the key responsibilities for this role, but it’s not an exhaustive list of everything you may be asked to do. From time to time, you may be asked to assist with other tasks or follow additional instructions related to your role. We want to make sure all employees, including those with disabilities, have what they need to succeed, so some duties and responsibilities may be adjusted to ensure reasonable accommodations. To thrive in this position, you'll bring the skills and abilities to carry out the tasks effectively.