Plant Manager

James Hardie · Tacoma, WA

Level: Manager
Team: Production
Base pay: $175k–$200k
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 3+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 15 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management production role at James Hardie (industrial) in Tacoma, WA. Manage a larger leadership structure including supervisors, operations managers, engineering teams, and support staff.

They ask for: 3+ years · degree required
Tools it names: Lean, Six Sigma, OEE, Control plans, EHS / safety
Base pay: $175k–$200k
Day to day: some off-shift / weekend coverage

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Production Engineer roles in Washington: typical posted base $120k–$175k. This one lists $175k–$200k.

Median of the low and high ends of 19 live postings that list pay, out of 32 production engineer openings in Washington, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Washington plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 31 other live production postings in Washington.

Base pay: About 32% above similar roles
Experience asked: Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)

Skills these teams ask for most

Python 34%
✓ Team leadership 28%
✓ Lean 28%
✓ New product launch 25%
Root cause 25%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for OEE, Control plans, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Off-shift / weekend coverage

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at James Hardie
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Plant Manager at James Hardie in other locations

James Hardie lists this title in 2 places. Pick the plant you can get to.

Pulaski, VA · $190k–$215k

Full description from James HardieAs posted on their careers site.Show

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com .

Summary

The Plant Manager is a senior operational leader responsible for directing and optimizing the daily operations of a larger, more complex, or multi‑line manufacturing facility. This role oversees multiple layers of leadership—including supervisors, managers, engineers, and production teams—and is accountable for strategic planning, operational excellence, financial performance, and culture development within the plant.

A Plant Manager not only ensures efficient and safe production but also drives long‑term improvements, influences cross‑functional initiatives, and aligns plant operations with broader organizational strategies. Individuals in this role exhibit exceptional leadership, advanced operational expertise, and high‑level decision-making abilities. They are expected to think proactively, mentor future leaders, and consistently deliver world-class operational outcomes.

Geographical mobility required within 2-3 years to lead another site in our NA network, as Plant Manager.

Operational Leadership & Strategic Management

•Oversee complex or high-volume manufacturing operations, ensuring consistent performance across multiple production areas.
•Develop multi-year operational strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
•Lead continuous improvement initiatives across quality, safety, production, and cost-efficiency.
•Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence frameworks throughout the plant.

Show full description ↓

Production & Efficiency Management

•Plan and manage production capacity, asset utilization, and throughput to meet or exceed organizational targets.
•Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs): OEE, scrap/rework, downtime, labor efficiency, and cost per unit.
•Implement advanced data-driven processes to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and maximize resource allocation.

Financial & Budget Accountability

•Develop, maintain, and forecast annual operating budgets, capital expenditures, and cost-control plans.
•Conduct financial analysis to improve margins, reduce costs, and support strategic investment decisions.
•Ensure high-value ROI on equipment, technology upgrades, and process improvements.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

•Ensure strict adherence to all regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA, ISO, etc.).
•Champion a strong safety culture, owning all plant-level EHS performance.
•Oversee quality management systems and ensure consistency with certification and industry standards.

Organizational & Talent Leadership

•Manage a larger leadership structure including supervisors, operations managers, engineering teams, and support staff.
•Develop managerial talent, succession plans, and high-performance teams.
•Coach and mentor direct reports and emerging leaders to enhance operational capability and career growth.

Cross-functional Collaboration

•Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, and Corporate Leadership to drive business initiatives.
•Support new product introductions, plant expansions, and technology integrations.
•Serve as a key voice in corporate initiatives affecting operations, safety, quality, and workforce development.

Communication & Reporting

•Deliver high-impact operational reports and presentations to senior executives.
•Communicate plant performance, risks, and opportunities transparently.
•Build trust and alignment across all levels of the organization—from floor team members to executive leadership.

What You’ll Bring

•Bachelor’s degree (required).
•MBA or advanced degree (preferred).
•Requires 7–10+ years in manufacturing operations , including experience managing large-scale operations within manufacturing, multiple production lines, or a manufacturing plant with complex product workflows.
•3–5 years in plant leadership or multi-department management
•Significant experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

What You’ll Receive

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

•Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
•Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
•Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
•Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
•Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
•Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
•Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie