Plant Manager - Manufacturing

Plant Manager

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all production, quality control, maintenance, and operational activities within the manufacturing facility. This role ensures efficient production of high-quality HVAC products while maintaining cost control, operational excellence, and compliance with industry regulations. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize plant performance.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Responsibilitiesand activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Oversee daily plant operations to ensure efficient and timely production of HVAC climate control products, including air handlers, dampers, ventilation systems, and related components.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and industry regulations, including ASHRAE standards, ISO 9001, and EPA guidelines.
• Lead and mentor plant personnel, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with engineering, R&D, and quality assurance teams to implement new product designs, process improvements, and technology advancements.
• Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, equipment utilization, defect rates, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure optimal equipment performance and longevity.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and capital expenditure projects to support plant growth and profitability.
• Implement and enforce best practices in inventory management, supply chain coordination, and production scheduling.
• Maintain relationships with key vendors, suppliers, and external stakeholders to ensure a smooth supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements and industry certifications for HVAC products.
• Any other similar or associated duties necessary to accomplish job objectives, or as assigned by the immediate leader.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Education - Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience - 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within the HVAC or climate control industry
• Industry Acumen - Strong knowledge of HVAC manufacturing processes, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly operations. Proficiency in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies
• Language and Communication Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Computer Knowledge - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Have a working experience with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, or equivalent) and manufacturing execution systems (MES), Excel, Word software programs
• Organizational and Time Management Skills - the ability to manage one's own time and the time of others. Ability to adjust action in relations to others, the ability to develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Strategic Thinking --Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses.
• Decision Making - ability to solve problems use logical reasoning and apply emotional intelligence.
• Leadership: Possesses the ability to lead, guide, and mentor team members. Inspires others to work collaboratively towards achieving goals and demonstrates effective decision-making and delegation skills.
• Problem Solving: Utilizes critical thinking to assess situations, identify issues, and develop effective solutions. Demonstrates creativity and analytical skills in resolving complex problems.
• Teamwork/Collaboration - Working as part of a team for assigned suppliers and manufacturing categories. Steady, collaborative personality.
• Multi-tasking - Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to travel - potential domestic and international travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing certification.
• Experience in automation and Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of HVAC regulations, such as DOE efficiency standards and refrigerant compliance laws.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Provides effective leadership and supervision across various levels and functions within the operations team, demonstrating strong management and team-building abilities.

Certifications Required - Preferred certifications include PMP, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing. Familiarity with ISO 9001, ASHRAE, and UL certification standards is required.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk / listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus. The employee must be able to work in a state of constant alertness and in a safe manner.

• Some travel may be required

Work Environment

• Office, HVAC/R working lab, manufacturing and warehouse work areas. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, machinery, tools, and more, as the Mechanics area coincides within Warehouse. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate depending on the scope of work.
• Travel domestic/international

Carel is an equal opportunity employer

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