Plant Manager

We are a 50+ year old manufacturer of lumber drying systems serving the forest products and industrial sectors with high-quality equipment and control systems. Our success is built on safety, craftsmanship, teamwork, and delivering quality products on time. We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations and continue our tradition of success.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and safety expectations are consistently achieved. This position leads approximately 25 employees across multiple departments and works closely with supervisors to maintain efficient workflow, productivity, and a positive work environment.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who understands manufacturing processes, communicates effectively with employees at all levels, and can balance production priorities while maintaining a safe and organized workplace.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations

• Coordinate and prioritize daily manufacturing activities
• Review and distribute production work orders and shop bills
• Monitor production schedules and work-in-process
• Identify and resolve production bottlenecks
• Allocate labor resources to meet production demands
• Ensure jobs are completed on time and according to specifications
• Conduct regular plant walkthroughs to monitor progress

Leadership & Employee Management

• Lead and develop a workforce of approximately 25 employees
• Supervise department supervisors and support employee development
• Address attendance, performance, and disciplinary matters
• Resolve workplace conflicts professionally and fairly
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and respect
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training efforts

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all products meet company quality standards
• Identify and address quality concerns before shipment
• Work with supervisors to improve processes and productivity
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce safe work practices
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety requirements
• Maintain SDS records and safety documentation
• Investigate workplace incidents and implement corrective actions
• Participate in safety audits and inspections

Equipment & Facility Management

• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs
• Evaluate repair versus replacement decisions
• Obtain and review vendor quotations
• Monitor facility and equipment performance

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong computer skills and experience with production documentation
• Ability to lead employees with professionalism and consistency
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
• Experience managing production schedules and priorities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in fabrication, welding, mechanical assembly, industrial construction, or heavy manufacturing
• Working knowledge of:
• Welding processes
• Pipe fitting and plumbing systems
• Mechanical equipment assembly
• Metal Fabrication, subtractive/formative manufacturing
• Experience interpreting manufacturing drawings and specifications
• Knowledge of quality control procedures
• Experience managing equipment maintenance activities

Key Leadership Traits

The ideal candidate will be:

• Calm under pressure
• Firm but fair when managing employees
• Respectful and approachable
• Solutions-oriented
• Highly organized
• Safety-focused
• Committed to quality and continuous improvement

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $85,000 - $95,000
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Health insurance benefits
• Retirement plan

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a resume outlining their manufacturing leadership experience, technical background, and accomplishments in production management, safety, and team leadership.

Join our team and help lead a skilled workforce dedicated to producing quality products safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 5 years of manufacturing experience?
• Do you have at least 3 years of supervisory or management experience?
• 3. Have you managed 15 or more employees?
• 4. Do you have experience in welding, fabrication, industrial construction, or mechanical equipment assembly?
• 5. Are you comfortable making production, quality, and safety decisions independently?
• 6. Are you authorized to work in the United States?
• 7. Are you willing to work on-site in Lexington, NC?

Work Location: In person