Plant Manager – Startup & OperationsDirect Hire-Harrisonburg, VA$90-120k Schedule: 7a-5p A growing steel fabrication and reinforcing operation is seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to lead the startup and ongoing operation of a new production facility in Harrisonburg, Virginia.This role will be responsible for bringing a new facility online, including equipment installation, commissioning, plant layout, workflow development, staffing, and process implementation. Once operational, this individual will assume full responsibility for daily production, scheduling, and overall plant performance. This position will also support future facility expansion projects as the company continues to grow. Responsibilities:Oversee delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of fabrication and material handling equipmentCoordinate vendor setup, calibration, validation, and startup of new machineryDevelop plant layout including material flow, staging areas, storage, and safety zonesImplement efficient production workflows for structural steel and reinforcing steel operationsCoordinate utilities integration including power distribution, compressed air, ventilation, and dust collection systemsEstablish preventative maintenance systems and equipment reliability programsDevelop standard operating procedures, production documentation, and safety processesHire, train, and develop key production personnel and supervisorsManage daily steel fabrication and reinforcing operationsDevelop and maintain production schedules and capacity planning systemsMonitor KPIs including throughput, scrap rates, labor efficiency, equipment uptime, safety, and on-time deliveryOversee raw material inventory including structural steel, rebar, plate, and fabricated componentsImplement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiativesEnsure compliance with applicable welding and structural fabrication standardsCoordinate closely with estimating and project management to align production output with project demandPrepare the facility for future expansion and additional startup initiatives Required Experience:5+ years of experience in steel, metal fabrication, or heavy industrial manufacturingDemonstrated experience installing and commissioning production equipmentExperience developing plant layouts and production workflowsProduction scheduling and capacity planning experienceLeadership experience supervising fabrication or manufacturing teamsStrong understanding of structural steel, reinforcing steel, or heavy metal processingHands-on mechanical aptitude with strong shop-floor credibility Preferred Background:Experience in structural steel fabricationExperience with rebar processing and bending systemsExperience with CNC plasma, beam line, or plate processing equipmentExperience with press brake operationsKnowledge of welding processes such as GMAW, FCAW, and SMAWExperience managing heavy material handling systems including overhead cranes and forkliftsExperience leading multi-shift production environments The ideal candidate is technically strong, comfortable around heavy equipment, experienced in equipment startup and process implementation, and capable of transitioning from facility launch into structured production management. This role requires a leader who is willing to be present on the shop floor and directly engaged in building and improving operations.