We are partnering with a growing metal fabrication manufacturer on a retained search for a Plant Manager to lead its Thomson, Georgia facility.
This is a hands-on leadership opportunity within a site entering a significant growth phase. The operation is ramping production quickly behind several major customer programs and is expected to roughly double in headcount as the facility expands across multiple shifts.
The Plant Manager will have broad ownership of day-to-day operations while helping build the team, processes, accountability, and operating structure needed to support that growth. This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the floor, developing people, solving problems, and building an operation rather than simply maintaining one.
Responsibilities
- Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations for the Thomson facility
- Build, develop, and lead the production organization as the site scales
- Support the expansion into multiple shifts, including weekend production
- Drive performance across safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost
- Establish clear expectations, accountability, and operating discipline across the shop floor
- Develop supervisors and front-line leaders as the organization grows
- Partner with leadership on staffing, capacity planning, equipment needs, and facility improvements
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve throughput, workflow, labor efficiency, and quality
- Maintain a visible, hands-on leadership presence throughout the operation
Qualifications
- Manufacturing leadership experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Supervisor, or similar role
- Experience leading hourly manufacturing teams in a hands-on production environment
- Background in metal fabrication, welding, machining, heavy equipment, industrial products, or a similar manufacturing setting strongly preferred
- Strong technical aptitude and understanding of manufacturing processes
- Demonstrated ability to build teams, develop people, and improve operational performance
- Comfortable operating in a growing environment where processes and structure are still being developed
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
- Bachelor’s degree not required; technical education, associate degree, apprenticeship experience, or equivalent manufacturing experience will be considered
