Plant Manager at Great Bend Industries Great Bend, KS

Leadership & Team Development

· Provide consistent, supportive leadership to foster trust and respect across all plant functions.

· Develop and mentor high-performing teams, reinforcing the company’s core values.

· Model and enforce accountability, transparency, and open communication, with a strong focus on achieving operational goals.

· Ensure all team members are held accountable for meeting key performance indicators, with goal achievement viewed as critical to success.

· Lead by example, driving a culture of continuous improvement and engagement.

Operational Excellence & Efficiency

· Lead cost-reduction initiatives, focusing on scrap, rework, and extra work to improve gross margins.

· Develop systems and processes that track, optimize, and improve productivity, metrics, and asset utilization.

· Monitor and control expenditures, labor hours, and overall plant efficiency.

· Conduct regular management audits and cell assessments to identify areas for improvement.

· Drive the implementation of lean manufacturing principles across the plant.

Strategic Planning & Coordination

· Actively manage scheduling and departmental planning meetings to stay informed on upcoming work and align priorities.

· Direct production control, planning, and purchasing functions to ensure seamless product flow through the plant and adherence to schedule requirements.

· Develop and implement policies to govern plant operations, ensuring consistency and compliance.

· Coordinate cross-functional efforts to align production with business goals and customer needs.

· Analyze operational data to make informed decisions and adjust strategies accordingly.

· Maintain a safe and compliant workplace by adhering to OSHA standards and company safety protocols.

· Foster a culture of safety, holding employees accountable for safe practices and a clean working environment.

· Ensure compliance with ISO 9001:2015 standards and other relevant quality certifications.

Financial Management & Budgeting

· Monitor plant expenses and take corrective actions as necessary to meet goals.

· Support capital expenditure planning and project execution.

· Ensure accurate tracking of expenses and labor hours to optimize costs and improve profitability.

· Utilize financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities and maximize profitability.

Customer Focus & Continuous Improvement

· Prioritize customer satisfaction by ensuring high-quality products are delivered on time and within budget.

· Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices across the plant.

· Ensure that operations consistently adhere to the company’s Quality Management System to produce quality products that meet customer requirements.

· Ensure the plant remains adaptable to evolving customer needs, market trends, and industry changes.

· Support product innovation and process optimization to stay competitive in the market.

Basic

· Associates degree.

· 5+ years of progressive manufacturing supervisory experience.

· Experience working in ERP systems.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Proficient in Microsoft office products and ERP platforms.

· Bachelor’s degree.

· Experience with large OEM-style quality programs and requirements.

· Experience in the fluid power industry.

· 5+ years of experience in a plant management role.

· Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 standards.

· Experience in Made2Manage ERP System.