Plant Manager-'Job Shop' for Specialty Vehicles

Job Description

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of the organization's operational activities. They are looking to double their current production of 1-2 vehicles per week to 5 . This is a ‘Job Shop Environment’. Someone who has built vehicles from the ground up. Like a race shop ! This senior leadership role involves managing multiple operational departments, ensuring that day-to-day activities align with the company’s strategic goals, improving efficiency, driving performance, and overseeing budgets and resources. The Plant Manager will work closely with senior leadership to create operational strategies that enhance business performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Must Haves :

Experience in a job shop / fabrication business - preferably having worked up from the lower ranks

Ability to read complex weldment drawings

Experience working with products with 2,000-plus parts list for short run production runs

Ability to run most fabrication equipment at a basic level

Involved from ground level weeds to 30,000 foot level / this is not a sit at a desk with reports to review and manage with - the reports do not exists

Think like a business owner / entrepreneur - decisions have to constantly be made where the best interest of the owner and the company as a whole - not how some large corporation would handle a situation

Must be authoritative but able to earn respect of the employees - the position itself is not enough to demand respect

Key Responsibilities :

1.

• Operational Strategy & Leadership :
• Develop and implement operational strategies to align with the company’s long-term goals.
• Lead and direct the operations teams, ensuring collaboration and alignment across all functions.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor performance, ensure efficiency, and drive improvements across all departments.
• Drive the company’s operational culture, ensuring a focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

2.

Process Optimization & Efficiency :

Analyze current operations to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

Lead process optimization efforts using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement techniques.

Ensure the organization’s operations run smoothly, reducing costs while maintaining quality and improving customer service.

3.

Team Management & Development :

Build and manage high-performance teams across multiple departments, including production, logistics, supply chain, and customer service.

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to departmental managers, fostering growth and development within the teams.

Oversee recruitment, training, and development of operations staff to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce.

4.

Financial Management & Budgeting :

Develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.

Collaborate with finance teams to monitor operating expenses, improve cost-efficiency, and maintain profitability.

Ensure operational departments meet or exceed budget targets and manage any financial variances.

5.

Cross-Functional Collaboration :

Work closely with other departments such as Sales, Marketing, IT, and Human Resources to ensure seamless operations and meet business objectives.

Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement strategies for business growth, capacity expansion, and scalability.

6.

Risk Management & Compliance :

Identify operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruption.

Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements related to operations, including safety, environmental, and labor laws.

Monitor risk management strategies and continuously improve operational resilience.

7.

Customer Experience & Quality Control :

Oversee the implementation of quality control and customer service strategies to ensure high-quality products and services.

Monitor customer satisfaction metrics and collaborate with customer service teams to resolve operational challenges that impact client relationships.

8.

Data Analytics & Reporting :

Utilize data analytics and business intelligence tools to generate operational insights, track performance, and forecast operational trends.

Prepare regular reports for the executive team, providing insights into operations performance, KPIs, and areas for improvement.

9.

Technology & Systems Integration :

Ensure operational processes are supported by effective technology and software systems, identifying opportunities for digital transformation and automation.

Lead technology-driven projects to enhance operational capabilities and improve efficiency.

Qualifications :

Education :

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (required).

MBA or advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience :

10+ years of experience in operations management or a related senior leadership role, with a strong track record of leading large, complex operations.

Experience in managing cross-functional teams and overseeing diverse operational departments (e.g., supply chain, logistics, production, and customer service).

Proven expertise in process improvement, cost management, and operational efficiency.

Skills :

Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.

In-depth knowledge of operational metrics, process improvement tools, and business operations.

Excellent problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Strong financial acumen, including budget management and cost control.

Ability to work collaboratively with senior management and cross-functional teams.

Proficiency in operational software, ERP systems, and data analytics tools.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions :

Primarily office-based with occasional site visits to manufacturing, distribution, or other operational locations.

Some travel may be required to visit stakeholders in different locations.