Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of joint compound products for light construction applications. This role oversees all aspects of plant operations, including manufacturing, team leadership, maintenance, procurement coordination, and administrative functions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a small manufacturing environment, balancing day-to-day operational execution with continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations, including production scheduling, material flow, quality control, and maintenance activities. Monitor performance metrics and prepare operational reports.

• Plan and manage production volumes to meet customer demand, delivery timelines, and inventory targets.

• Oversee purchasing and inventory of raw materials, packaging, and operating supplies. Partner with Procurement and support vendor negotiations to ensure cost effectiveness.

• Supervise, coach, and develop employees across production, warehouse, and administrative teams.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and environmental requirements while promoting a strong safety-first culture.

• Support HR-related processes, including hiring, onboarding, attendance tracking, and payroll coordination.

• Provide hands-on support on the production floor as needed to maintain output and workflow continuity.

• Manage equipment performance, preventive maintenance programs, and repair activities to maximize uptime and reliability.

• Coordinate regulatory and governmental requirements, including permits, environmental reporting, and labor documentation, in partnership with corporate legal and compliance teams.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, cost reduction, product consistency, and employee engagement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of batch manufacturing processes, mixing operations, and packaging systems.

• Working knowledge of raw materials and additives used in joint compound or similar manufacturing processes.

• Solid knowledge of OSHA safety standards and hazardous materials handling.

• Understanding of quality systems and quality control methodologies.

• Basic knowledge of inventory management, supply chain logistics, and maintenance planning.

Systems & Software

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems.

Language Skills

• Spanish proficiency for business communication preferred (intermediate level or higher).

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

• Lean Manufacturing

• First Aid and Forklift Safety Certification