Plant Manager

Location: Vandalia, IL | Relo assistance available

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Salary: $180,000

Bonus: 20% Schedule: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, with flexibility based on operational needs

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a growing rubber manufacturing facility. This position will be responsible for driving operational performance while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The Plant Manager will oversee a three-shift operation and provide leadership across production, purchasing, scheduling, quality, and engineering. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership position requiring regular interaction with all shifts and the ability to respond quickly to operational needs.

Key Responsibilities: Lead, motivate, and manage day-to-day manufacturing operations and production staff. Oversee production activities across all three shifts and maintain visibility throughout the facility. Schedule and direct the daily work of Set-Up Coordinators, Production Operators, Production/Quality Coordinators, and Material Handlers. Develop production schedules in collaboration with planning and value-stream teams, taking equipment capabilities and labor resources into consideration. Partner with support teams to maintain production flow and meet customer requirements. Monitor performance against safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. Review production transactions and team work to ensure accuracy and accountability. Track daily shift performance and assist with production reporting. Maintain product quality by ensuring employees consistently follow established standards. Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive implementation directly on the production floor. Conduct timely and effective employee performance reviews. Enforce safety procedures, shop-floor policies, and workplace standards. Identify safety concerns and take immediate corrective action when necessary. Lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient manufacturing environment. Address employee and team issues and provide effective solutions. Foster a positive, accountable, and engaged workplace. Provide support during urgent production situations and adjust priorities as business needs require.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered. Candidates without a degree should have approximately 10+ years of relevant manufacturing experience. At least 5 years of experience in full P&L ownership role within a comparable manufacturing environment. Experience in rubber or plastics manufacturing is strongly preferred Experience working with an ERP system. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Demonstrated ability to solve problems and implement practical process improvements. Strong leadership and employee-management skills. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Stable employment history is preferred, with approximately three or more years in previous positions. Technology Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Adobe AcrobatIQMS ERP preferred Experience with comparable ERP systems will be considered The facility manufactures a diverse range of products and components, including: Rubber seals and gaskets Custom molded rubber components Trim board and ceiling components Plastic housings and structural components Medical device components Automotive and transportation components Aerospace and defense components Specialty molded products for consumer applications

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance Health and dependent-care FSA options Company-sponsored life insurance Short- and long-term disability coverage 401(k) with employer match 401(k) eligibility after 31 days Company match of 50% of the first 6% contributed Three-year vesting schedule Three weeks of paid vacation 80 hours of PTO11 paid holidays Employee referral program Employee Assistance Program Tuition assistance