Highlights
This highly visible leadership opportunity is ideal for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, improving plant performance, developing high-performing teams, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience managing complex manufacturing operations, leading unionized workforces, implementing Lean Manufacturing principles, and delivering measurable improvements in operational performance.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Indianapolis, IN |
Description
Hueman is hiring a Plant Director for a full-time opportunity in Indianapolis, IN
We are seeking an experienced Plant Director to lead operations at a large, complex manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. This highly visible leadership opportunity is ideal for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, improving plant performance, developing high-performing teams, and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
The Plant Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality, ensuring world-class performance in safety, productivity, cost management, and manufacturing efficiency.
This position offers the opportunity to influence long-term manufacturing strategy, oversee significant capital investments, and collaborate directly with senior executive leadership.
The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience managing complex manufacturing operations, leading unionized workforces, implementing Lean Manufacturing principles, and delivering measurable improvements in operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Operations & Plant Leadership
Provide strategic and operational leadership across all plant functions, including Production, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality.
Lead a large, diverse workforce while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Establish and execute manufacturing strategies that improve operational efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability.
Monitor and improve critical manufacturing KPIs, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), safety, quality, production output, and operating costs.
Maintain an active presence on the manufacturing floor to drive employee engagement, operational discipline, and performance.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
Lead cross-functional improvement projects focused on cost reduction, process optimization, quality improvement, and increased productivity.
Utilize data-driven decision-making and advanced problem-solving methodologies to address complex manufacturing challenges.
Establish performance expectations and implement corrective actions to achieve operational and corporate objectives.
Drive sustainable improvements in manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance.
Strategic Planning & Financial Management
Develop and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
Lead annual operating budgets, financial forecasting, capital expenditure planning, and resource allocation.
Oversee major capital investments, equipment upgrades, and new manufacturing program launches.
Ensure manufacturing projects and operational initiatives are completed on schedule and within budget.
Collaborate with Supply Chain, Finance, Purchasing, and Product Engineering to support business objectives.
Evaluate operational performance and implement strategies to improve cost efficiency and financial results.
Talent Development & Labor Relations
Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing manufacturing leadership team.
Lead workforce planning, talent development, performance management, and succession planning initiatives.
Foster a positive workplace culture centered on employee engagement, accountability, and operational excellence.
Establish productive relationships with union leadership and support effective labor-management relations.
Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements, company policies, and applicable employment regulations.
Support grievance resolution and maintain constructive relationships across unionized and salaried workforces.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
Demonstrated success leading large, complex manufacturing facilities or operations.
Experience managing unionized manufacturing environments and labor relations.
Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence methodologies.
Proven ability to improve manufacturing KPIs, including OEE, safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
Experience managing plant operating budgets, capital expenditures, and financial forecasts.
Demonstrated experience overseeing major manufacturing projects, capital investments, and new program launches.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with senior executives and cross-functional leadership teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related discipline.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Red X, or other continuous improvement certifications.
Experience implementing large-scale operational improvement initiatives.
Strong technical aptitude and experience with manufacturing systems and performance analytics.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, Workday, and Maximo.