Plant Manager - Southland Steel Fabricators, Inc.

Job Summary

The Plant Manager/Director of Operations for our Coatings & Fireproofing Facility will oversee all aspects of its start-up and ongoing operations, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management to drive operational success. The position requires substantial experience in manufacturing, fabrication, or construction, with a focus on coatings, fireproofing, or engineered-to-order environments. Soft-craft management experience is also preferred for this role.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Manage all operational functions, from production scheduling to shipment, ensuring customer requirements are met.
• Oversee the planning, commissioning, and day-to-day operations of the coatings and fireproofing facility, ensuring on-time, on-budget performance.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and standards to meet all safety, quality, environmental, and operational requirements.
• Optimize inventory, increase plant capacity, and improve process planning capabilities.
• Lead the achievement of Best-in-Class operational excellence, emphasizing delivery performance, cost efficiency, and mix flexibility.

Safety and Compliance

• Oversee employee and plant safety to ensure OSHA compliance and adherence to company safety policies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant standards, regulations, and certifications, including workplace safety and environmental standards.
• Promote and enforce strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements.

Team Management

• Select, hire, train, and develop a skilled workforce, including skilled craft, production support, and administrative personnel.
• Set clear and consistent expectations for team performance and foster a culture of collaboration and respect.
• Supervise managers, foremen, and staff, conducting performance reviews and fostering professional growth.

Project and Budget Management

• Prepare annual budgets, projections, and quarterly reports to fund operations and maximize investment returns.
• Develop tactical business plans and implement programs to see work through to completion.
• Partner with maintenance teams and vendors to ensure machinery and mechanical equipment are operational and meet customer demands.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and drive short- and long-term continuous improvement efforts.
• Stay informed of industry advancements and introduce innovative techniques to enhance the facility’s capabilities and efficiency.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and practices to streamline workflow, reduce waste, and improve productivity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with Sales, Project Management, Purchasing, and Engineering to align resources and coordinate work.
• Maintain effective communication of vision, strategy, and objectives for the plant across all levels of the organization.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field (strongly preferred).

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in coatings, fireproofing, construction, or manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing safety, quality, procurement, logistics, maintenance, budgets, and staff.

Skills and Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing and coatings operations, maintenance, quality control, and safety.
• Experience with moderate to complex project management involving materials and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and practices.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Key Attributes for Success

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on management approach.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Strong work ethic and focus on achieving manufacturing excellence.