Plant General Manager

Plant General ManagerWrought Washer Manufacturing, Inc. | Milwaukee, WIFull-Time | On-Site | ExemptAbout the OpportunityWrought Washer Manufacturing is looking for a Plant General Manager to lead our Milwaukee manufacturing facility and play a key role in our next phase of growth.With nearly 140 years of manufacturing experience, we have built a strong foundation in producing precision washers and stamped metal components for industrial customers across North America. Today, we are investing in our people, processes, and infrastructure to support significant growth over the next three to five years.This is a newly created leadership position with direct responsibility for the Milwaukee facility's overall performance, including safety, quality, production, financial results, and team development. Reporting directly to the President, you will lead an experienced team of functional managers and help build the systems and processes needed to take our operation to the next level.We're looking for a hands-on, strategic leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving operations, and creating lasting results. If you're motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact rather than simply maintain the status quo, this could be the right opportunity for you.Why Join Wrought Washer?Meaningful leadership: Take ownership of the entire Milwaukee facility and make decisions that directly impact business performance.Opportunity to build: Develop management systems, improve processes, and establish the structure needed to support future growth.Direct executive partnership: Work closely with the President and have a voice in key business decisions.Team development: Lead and develop five functional managers while building a culture of accountability and collaboration.Long-term opportunity: Help shape the future of an established manufacturing company as our operations continue to grow.Key Responsibilities Plant Operations & Financial PerformanceLead the overall performance of the Milwaukee facility, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.Own the plant's operating P&L, including labor, overtime, scrap, materials, maintenance, and overhead.Develop and manage the annual operating budget and present monthly financial results and variance analysis to the President.Identify and implement cost-reduction, efficiency, and process-improvement initiatives.Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance and drive continuous improvement.Improve the use of Plex ERP to support operational visibility, decision-making, and accountability.Safety, Quality & New Program LaunchesLead the development of a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.Monitor safety performance, incident trends, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions while ensuring OSHA compliance.Establish and lead an effective Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process.Oversee the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and new program launch reviews from initial planning through production.Partner with Sales and cross-functional teams on quoting, manufacturing feasibility, customer requirements, and launch commitments.Drive customer quality performance by addressing complaints, corrective actions, and quality metrics.Leadership & Team DevelopmentDirectly lead and develop five functional managers across Operations, Engineering, Quality & Safety, Planning, and Procurement/Supply Chain.Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability across the leadership team.Lead regular management meetings and one-on-one discussions to review performance, address challenges, and drive progress.Build a collaborative culture where employees and managers communicate openly, raise issues early, and work together to solve problems.Develop internal talent and strengthen succession planning throughout the facility.Labor Relations & Process ImprovementEnsure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), including scheduling, job assignments, disciplinary processes, and grievance handling.Maintain a constructive working relationship with union representatives through consistent communication and follow-through.Partner with HR and legal counsel during contract negotiations, providing operational insight and workforce planning support.Evaluate existing processes, establish standardized procedures, and implement improvements that support consistency, efficiency, and sustainable growth.Qualifications Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Industrial Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent qualifications may be considered.At least 8 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including direct management of multiple functional leaders.Demonstrated experience managing a plant or business unit P&L, including budgeting, financial analysis, and cost-reduction initiatives.Hands-on experience with APQP, PPAP, and new program launches in a manufacturing environment.Proven ability to improve workplace safety and develop a proactive safety culture.Experience building or strengthening management systems, standardizing processes, and improving operational accountability.Strong financial and business acumen, including an understanding of the factors that drive manufacturing costs, productivity, and profitability.Demonstrated ability to develop leaders, build effective teams, and drive organizational change.Preferred QualificationsMBA or advanced degree.Experience in metal stamping, precision manufacturing, or high-mix, medium-volume production.Experience with Plex ERP or a similar ERP/MES system.Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification, with experience applying structured problem-solving and waste-reduction methods.Experience with ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 quality management systems.Experience supporting automotive or industrial customers, including PPAP Level 3, FMEA, and control plans.The Ideal CandidateThe successful candidate is a builder, problem-solver, and people leader who is comfortable taking ownership of an entire manufacturing operation.You know how to lead through others, develop strong managers, and establish clear expectations without creating a culture of blame. You can balance strategic planning with practical execution, using data and sound judgment to improve performance. Most importantly, you're energized by the opportunity to strengthen an established operation and build the foundation for its next stage of growth.