Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Byron Center, MI

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a facility located in Byron Center, Michigan.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a hands-on manufacturing leader who is passionate about being on the plant floor, developing people, improving operations, and taking ownership of major initiatives.

A critical component of this search is identifying a leader with demonstrated success executing large capital equipment and manufacturing automation projects. This individual must be comfortable taking projects from concept through implementation-working across engineering, operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership to ensure investments are executed successfully and deliver measurable operational results.

The right person will bring an owner's mentality, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead people through change while maintaining a strong presence on the manufacturing floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for plant operations, people, performance, safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

• Maintain a highly visible presence on the manufacturing floor and build strong relationships with employees at all levels.

• Lead and develop plant leadership, supervisors, and manufacturing teams.

• Drive accountability, communication, employee engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

• Take ownership of plant performance and proactively address operational challenges.

• Lead the planning and execution of large capital equipment investments and automation projects.

• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and outside vendors on equipment selection, installation, commissioning, and implementation.

• Ensure capital projects are executed effectively against scope, schedule, budget, and expected return.

• Identify opportunities to increase manufacturing automation, capacity, throughput, quality, and labor efficiency.

• Lead plant layout, equipment, workflow, and process-improvement initiatives.

• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement initiatives across the operation.

• Develop and monitor key operational metrics and establish clear accountability for results.

• Ensure production requirements are achieved while maintaining strong safety and quality standards.

• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, HR, and senior leadership.

• Develop operating plans and capital priorities that support both immediate production requirements and long-term growth.

• Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and leadership development.

• Job Requirements

• Critical Experience

• Significant progressive leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.

• Previous Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or comparable senior plant leadership experience.

• Demonstrated success managing a sizable manufacturing operation with responsibility for people, production, and operational performance.

• Proven experience executing major capital equipment projects.

• Strong experience implementing manufacturing automation and new production technology.

• Track record of successfully bringing new equipment and automated processes from planning through implementation and production.

• Experience managing capital budgets and working with equipment manufacturers, integrators, contractors, and other outside partners.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Experience leading significant operational change and process improvement.

• Demonstrated ability to develop leaders and build strong manufacturing teams.

• Leadership Profile

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a passion for being on the plant floor and understands the operation firsthand.

• Is a genuine people leader who builds credibility with both hourly employees and leadership.

• Operates with an owner mentality and takes personal responsibility for results.

• Doesn't simply manage capital projects-owns their execution and success.

• Is comfortable making decisions and driving projects forward.

• Can balance daily operational demands with major long-term improvement initiatives.

• Creates accountability without losing employee engagement.

• Is proactive, visible, decisive, and results-oriented.

• Understands that successful automation is as much about people, process, and adoption as it is about equipment.

• Can lead an established manufacturing operation while challenging the organization to continually improve.

• Key Search Priorities

The strongest candidates will bring a combination of:

• Manufacturing Leadership + Capital Equipment + Automation + Floor Presence + People Leadership

Of particular importance is finding someone who can point to specific examples such as:

• Major equipment purchases or plant capital investments they personally led.

• Automation projects they took from business case through implementation.

• New manufacturing lines or equipment installations.

• Significant improvements in throughput, labor efficiency, quality, or capacity.

• Projects involving robotics, automated assembly, material handling, controls, or other manufacturing technology.

• Situations where they had to lead employees through significant operational or technological change.

• About Middleville, MI

• Explore exciting job opportunities in the vibrant area surrounding Middleville, Michigan! Nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes State, Middleville offers not only a thriving job market but also a picturesque setting surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Barry County. With a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, Middleville provides the perfect backdrop for personal and professional growth. From the historic downtown area with its charming boutiques and eateries to the nearby Yankee Springs Recreation Area, there's no shortage of enchanting attractions to explore. Imagine starting your career in this dynamic location, just a stone's throw away from the renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Devos Performance Hall, and sporting events at the Van Andel Arena. Don't miss out on the chance to advance your career while enjoying the unique culture and opportunities Middleville has to offer. Dive into our job listings today and discover your next big career move in Middleville, Michigan!

• Contract positions

• Will be employed and paid hourly by iMPact Business Group. Benefits (medical, dental & vision) are available after 90 days of employment.

• Permanent placed employees

• Paid by and qualify for benefits in accordance with the policies of the hiring company.

• Internal Positions

• We have several internal positions at iMPact that we are hiring for. Please view our internal positions here.

• Recruiters

• Account Managers

• Learn more about working with iMPact Business Group

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