Plant Manager

Position Summary

· An established Michigan-based Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) provider specializing in PCB assembly, electromechanical assembly, wire harnesses, cable assemblies, box-build integration, testing, and related manufacturing services is seeking an experienced Plant Manager.

· The Plant Manager will lead and manage all day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure customer orders are produced safely, efficiently, on time, and in accordance with quality requirements. This individual will oversee production planning and execution, workforce management, capacity utilization, operational performance, and coordination between Production, Engineering, Procurement, Inventory Control, Quality, and Customer Service teams.

· This position serves as the primary operational leader of the facility and is accountable for achieving production, delivery, productivity, safety, and continuous improvement objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Execution

· Lead and manage all manufacturing activities from production planning through shipment readiness.

· Develop and maintain production schedules based on customer demand, available materials, labor availability, and machine capacity.

· Ensure efficient execution of customer orders while meeting delivery commitments.

· Monitor daily production performance and proactively address bottlenecks.

· Coordinate priorities across SMT, Through-Hole Assembly, Manual Assembly, Box Build, Testing, Rework, and Shipping functions.

· Conduct daily production meetings to review schedules, priorities, staffing requirements, and delivery commitments.

Manufacturing Operations Management

· Direct and supervise production supervisors, team leads, operators, assemblers, technicians, and support personnel.

· Drive operational excellence through effective resource utilization and workflow management.

· Ensure manufacturing processes are executed in accordance with work instructions, customer requirements, and company procedures.

· Monitor labor utilization, machine uptime, throughput, and production efficiency.

· Ensure timely completion of work orders and production reporting.

Cross-Functional Coordination

· Work closely with Procurement and Inventory teams to ensure material availability and resolve shortages affecting production schedules.

· Collaborate with Quality to address quality concerns, corrective actions, customer complaints, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Coordinate with Engineering regarding process improvements, new product introductions, ECOs, tooling requirements, and manufacturing readiness.

· Partner with Customer Service and Program Management to provide accurate production status and delivery updates.

Customer Delivery & Operational Performance

· Ensure customer orders are delivered on time and meet contractual commitments.

· Develop recovery plans when production or delivery risks arise.

· Monitor operational KPIs and implement corrective actions when targets are not achieved.

· Participate in customer meetings, audits, and operational reviews as required.

Continuous Improvement

· Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and process improvement initiatives.

· Identify opportunities to improve productivity, reduce waste, shorten lead times, and improve manufacturing flow.

· Drive improvements in capacity utilization, labor efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness.

· Implement best practices and standardized work processes across the manufacturing floor.

Workforce Leadership & Development

· Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing production team.

· Conduct employee performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities.

· Promote teamwork, accountability, and employee engagement.

· Ensure adequate staffing levels to meet production requirements.

· Support training initiatives and cross-training programs.

Safety & Compliance

· Promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, and environmental requirements.

· Conduct regular safety reviews and address workplace hazards promptly.

· Support initiatives related to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

· On-Time Delivery (OTD)

· Production Throughput

· Schedule Adherence

· Labor Productivity

· Manufacturing Efficiency

· Capacity Utilization

· Work Order Completion Rates

· Employee Retention and Engagement

· Safety Performance

· Continuous Improvement Results

· Customer Satisfaction

Required Skills & Qualifications

Education

· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.

· Equivalent manufacturing leadership experience will be considered.

Experience

· 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.

· Minimum 3 years managing production operations in electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, contract manufacturing, or a similar environment.

· Experience leading production teams in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment preferred.

· Experience managing multiple production departments and customer delivery commitments.

Technical Knowledge

· Strong understanding of PCB Assembly and EMS manufacturing processes.

· Familiarity with SMT, Through-Hole Assembly, Box Build, Cable Assembly, and Testing operations.

· Working knowledge of IPC standards, manufacturing documentation, and production controls.

· Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production scheduling tools.

· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Leadership Competencies

· Strong leadership and people management skills.

· Excellent organizational and planning abilities.

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

· Ability to work effectively across multiple departments.

· Excellent communication and customer-facing skills.

· Results-oriented with a strong focus on execution and accountability.