Our client is renowned for their  innovative and decentralized approach to industrial manufacturing and specialty products. Naviga has been retained to identify a Plant Manager for their Polk County, FL manufacturing plant.

 

Title: Plant Operations Manager

Location: Polk County, Florida

 

Key Notes:

• Impact on Company Success: Drive operational efficiency by optimizing plant performance, supporting teams, and adapting to new product launches or label updates, ultimately enhancing cost-effectiveness and contributing significantly to the company's overall success.

• Career Development and Succession Planning: The company fosters targeted career paths and individual development plans, aiming to align team members’ roles with their career aspirations. By emphasizing succession planning, the company ensures the growth of internal talent and prepares individuals for future leadership roles, including the potential advancement to the Director of Operations role within the next two years.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Offers competitive benefits including health care, income protection, retirement savings, and additional perks to support the overall well-being and financial security of employees.

 

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Supply Chain, Production, and Distribution & Warehouse functions, ensuring alignment with plant P&L commitments.

• Lead plant operations, including Safety and Health, legal compliance, and statutory requirements (Federal, State, and Local).

• Develop and implement short, medium, and long-term strategies in conjunction with the Operations Director, driving results for the manufacturing site.

• Foster a “Best in Class” culture focused on safety, performance, accountability, engagement, and teamwork.

• Create and maintain a Safety culture with a goal of zero accidents, utilizing 5S, Kanban processes, and Visual Management.

• Direct and optimize site activities for efficiency and continuous improvement, aligning with Annual and Long Range Plans.

• Drive margin improvements by analyzing and improving operational KPIs using strategic initiatives and space utilization strategies.

• Review production costs, product quality, and implement cost and waste reduction programs to enhance profitability.

• Lead and develop teams across Maintenance, Production, Sourcing, Planning, HSE, Engineering, and Logistics, ensuring they meet stretch goals and are ‘fit for purpose.’

• Ensure talent development and organizational structure align with company policies and strategic goals. 

 

Requirements:

• Leadership Experience: Over 5 years of experience leading manufacturing plant operations, with strong mechanical and/or chemical aptitude.

• Lean Manufacturing Expertise: Proven understanding and hands-on experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.

• Chemical Manufacturing: Expertise in chemical manufacturing processes, particularly blending and filling.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen effectively and relate to employees at all levels. Sensitive to cultural differences.

• Analytical Decision-Making: Skilled at analyzing complex situations, identifying options, and making sound decisions.

• Complexity Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and navigate change effectively.

• Customer Relationship Management: Strong skills in building and maintaining customer relationships, serving as a trusted advisor.

• Attention to Detail: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at problem-solving.

• Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.

• People Leadership: Motivates and inspires others to excel, with a talent for identifying and developing future leaders.

• Approachability and Integrity: Approachable demeanor that inspires trust and confidence; exercises good judgment with confidential information.

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in manufacturing planning systems, and highly skilled in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

 

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with  just-in-time production cycle and discrete manufacturing environment 

 

Education:

• Bachelor’s of Science degree (Mechanical Engineer, Industrial Engineer, or Chemical Engineer as preference)

• MBA preferred 

 

Benefits and Perks:

• Health Insurance

• Short and Long-Term Disability

• Employee Life & AD&D Insurance

• Spouse and Child Life Insurance

• Retirement