Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview

IMS Gear is a global leader in precision-engineered automotive components, with deep roots in German manufacturing excellence. The company specializes in metal forming, plastic injection molding, and hybrid components for transmission, steering, and safety systems. With over $570 million in global revenue and 3,000 employees worldwide, IMS Gear’s Southeastern U.S. facility plays a critical role in serving Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

Established in 1995, the Gainesville, GA site generates approximately $80 million in annual revenue and employs 250 full-time staff. It produces a mix of actuators (50%), metal components (30%), and plastic components (20%), and is currently undergoing a strategic turnaround to restore operational excellence and long-term viability.

The Opportunity

Lead a High-Impact Manufacturing Transformation

We are seeking a proven Plant Manager to lead the strategic turnaround of our Gainesville, GA manufacturing facility—a site of critical importance within our global operations. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role with full P&L ownership and the mandate to deliver rapid, measurable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The ideal candidate will bring deep manufacturing expertise, a track record of successful turnarounds, and the ability to embed structure, reset operating cadence, and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This is not a maintenance role—it’s a transformation mandate. Success in this position is essential to the long-term viability of the site and its contribution to our global network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of plant operations—including production, maintenance, engineering, and logistics—to stabilize performance and deliver rapid improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Own and execute a structured turnaround plan with clear 90 / 180 / 365-day milestones; report progress to executive leadership.
• Reestablish operational discipline by implementing tiered daily management systems, structured KPI review cycles, and visual performance dashboards. Identify process gaps and drive corrective measures to eliminate inefficiencies.
• Assess current leadership team, make necessary changes, and build a high-performance culture through coaching, accountability, and talent development.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean / Advanced Manufacturing practices, eliminating chronic losses and bottlenecks.
• Manage P&L, capital budgets, and cost structures to restore profitability and cash discipline.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with global stakeholders to align strategic objectives and secure resources for turnaround success.
• Foster a culture of coaching and mentoring by actively supporting people development, structured training initiatives, and knowledge transfer from external support resources.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, safety, environmental, and corporate standards while raising audit readiness.
• Champion a culture of urgency, transparency, and resilience to sustain transformation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Why Join Us?

IMS Gear is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and provide employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

We offer training, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, 401k match, and employer paid life insurance, as well as short and long-term disability coverage.

Join us and become part of a dynamic team where your contributions matter!