Plant Manager

Location: Old Fort, NC

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Production Supervisors, Old Fort operations office staff

Primary Function

The Plant Manager leads all aspects of plant operations in Old Fort, NC, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role oversees the Operations Manager, Production Supervisors, and all Operations office staff at the Pelham facility. The Plant Manager is responsible for developing and executing operational strategies, optimizing workflows, implementing policies, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The Plant Manager fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement, ensures compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements (including ISO 9000), and collaborates cross-functionally to achieve organizational goals and support strategic planning and resource allocation.

Essential Functions

• Lead, supervise, and develop the Operations Manager, Production Supervisors, and Pelham operations office staff to meet production targets and quality standards.
• Oversee planning, organization, and monitoring of daily plant activities to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and company policies across all plant functions.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and kaizen methodologies.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9000 standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to resolve operational issues.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation for the entire plant.
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, and training of production and office staff.
• Ensure optimal staffing levels across all plant departments, proactively addressing workforce needs to support production goals and operational excellence.
• Oversee the Sewing School program, ensuring it delivers effective skills development and supports talent pipelines for production roles.
• Champion succession planning for key positions, identifying and developing high-potential employees to ensure leadership continuity and organizational resilience.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance plant culture by modeling company values, promoting employee engagement, and supporting professional growth.
• Manage and optimize plant operations using ERP and MRP systems, including production scheduling, inventory control, and data integrity.
• Utilize ERP/MRP data for decision-making, process improvement, and reporting.
• Prepare and present regular reports on plant performance to senior leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies (ISO 9000)

• Leadership and team management across all plant functions
• Process optimization and value stream mapping
• Data analysis and problem-solving
• Quality management and continuous improvement
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Effective communication and collaboration at all level of staff, and external partners
• Technical proficiency in manufacturing systems, ERP, and MRP software
• Compliance with regulatory and company standards
• Strategic planning and resource management
• Understanding of customer focus and satisfaction
• Ability to maintain QMS integrity during change Fire-Dex
• IT Systems proficiency (including ADP, Concur, SharePoint, and IT security best practices)

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (commensurate experience may substitute for degree)
• Minimum 8 years of supervisory experience in manufacturing operations
• Formal lean manufacturing training/certification preferred (e.g., Lean, Kaizen)
• Demonstrated experience with ERP and MRP systems in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ISO 9000 standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Experience managing teams of 75-100 employees preferred

Physical Demands

• Combination of office and manufacturing environmental activities, including:
• Remaining in a stationary position (standing or sitting) for extended periods, both at a desk and while monitoring plant operations
• Moving throughout the facility and office to observe processes, access equipment, attend meetings, and interact with staff
• Occasionally lifting and carrying items up to 25 pounds
• Operating standard office equipment and, as needed, plant machinery or tools
• Using hands and fingers for keyboarding, handling documents, and operating controls
• Visual acuity for reviewing data, inspecting equipment, and monitoring production
• Occasional bending, reaching, or climbing to access materials or equipment

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures
• Office environment with standard office equipment
• Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed
• Fast-paced, team-oriented setting

EEO Statement

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.