Plant Manager

The Role: Our client is seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to lead its manufacturing operation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Plant Manager will oversee day-to-day plant operations, drive productivity and operational efficiency, strengthen production capabilities, and develop a high-performing team. The role will lead functions across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Engineering, and Human Resources, while maintaining close alignment with our client's leadership in the United States and the HQ.Why Join the company? This is an opportunity to make a visible impact on a growing U.S. manufacturing operation within an established international organization. The successful candidate will help stabilize and strengthen the plant, build organizational capability, and shape the operational foundation required to support our client's next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities: Lead daily plant operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance. Strengthen production leadership, address staffing needs on the manufacturing floor, and improve workforce capability. Drive continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing initiatives to increase productivity and operational efficiency. Lead, coach, and develop a cross-functional team across Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Engineering, and Human Resources. Partner closely with the client's leadership in the HQ & the United States to align plant priorities with broader business objectives. Establish and monitor operational metrics, identify performance gaps, and implement sustainable corrective actions. Manage the plant operating budget and lead capital expenditure projects, including equipment, automation, layout, and facility improvements. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, customer, and regulatory requirements. Support workforce planning, talent development, and succession planning across the facility. Build the operational capabilities and processes needed to support the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Experience Required: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience gained through progressive leadership roles within a manufacturing environment will also be considered. Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience within a manufacturing environment, including responsibility for leading teams and driving operational performance. Demonstrated experience leading a manufacturing operation or a significant functional area within a plant, with broad responsibility across production, quality, maintenance, logistics, engineering, supply chain, or related operations functions. Proven experience managing operational budgets and capital investment projects, including equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, facility improvements, and process optimization programs. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement methodologies, Operational Excellence, and quality management systems and audit processes. Experience working with production planning, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and manufacturing systems such as ERP, WMS, and MES platforms. Demonstrated success leading organizational change, improving productivity, developing teams, and driving operational performance in a manufacturing environment. Experience working within a multi-site, international, or matrix organization is highly valued. Experience within fasteners, metal manufacturing, metal forming, machining, industrial components, or similar manufacturing environments is preferred.

Leadership Profile: The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who combines operational discipline with a continuous improvement mindset. They lead by example, build strong teams, and create a culture of accountability, safety, quality, and performance. Comfortable balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day execution, this individual thrives in dynamic manufacturing environments where change, problem-solving, and collaboration are essential; they can operate independently, influence across functions and geographies, and develop the people, processes, and operational capabilities needed to support our client's long-term growth ambitions.