Plant Manager – Manufacturing

We are supporting a global manufacturer of highly engineered electrical interconnect, power and signal solutions in the appointment of an experienced Plant Manager to lead its manufacturing operation in Des Plaines, Illinois.

This is a senior site leadership role with responsibility for operations, EHS, quality, manufacturing engineering, continuous improvement, people leadership and financial performance.

The successful candidate will lead both day-to-day plant performance and the longer-term development of the facility, supporting continued growth, efficiency and profitability.

About the Role

The Plant Manager will provide overall leadership for the site, ensuring the facility delivers against safety, quality, delivery, cost and financial objectives.

Working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you will develop manufacturing strategy, optimise production capacity and workflow, lead improvement initiatives and build a high-performance culture across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall plant performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity and profitability.
• Develop and execute the site's manufacturing strategy in line with wider business objectives.
• Drive operational improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, automation, CAPEX and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimise production flow, capacity, labour and resources in line with customer demand.
• Establish and manage operational KPIs, identifying performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Support commercial growth by ensuring manufacturing capability and capacity meet future requirements.
• Lead, coach and develop plant teams, creating a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Champion EHS, environmental compliance and continuous improvement across the facility.
• Support budgeting and strategic planning while delivering agreed financial objectives.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' senior manufacturing leadership or plant management experience.
• Strong knowledge of production, quality, manufacturing engineering, scheduling and continuous improvement.
• Proven experience improving productivity, efficiency, quality and financial performance.
• Strong understanding of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, CAPEX and operational KPIs.
• Experience managing plant budgets and profitability targets.
• Strong people leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exposure to automation and advanced manufacturing environments would be advantageous.
• Experience within connector, electrical, electromechanical or engineered-product manufacturing would be particularly valuable, including processes such as crimping, press-fit assembly, moulding, welding, potting and electrical testing.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949, AS9100, NFPA 79, UL 508A or CE marking would also be beneficial.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing
• Engineering or a related discipline.
• Master's Degree or MBA advantageous.
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, PMP or equivalent qualification desirable.

How to Apply
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing leader to take ownership of a key production facility within a global engineering organisation. For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact Sean Adams.