Job Description

Plant Manager

This performance profile outlines the responsibilities, objectives, and key success factors for the Plant Manager role at Paceline. The profile blends input from both operational leadership and structured performance objectives.

Role Summary
The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily production operations across eight departments within a 70-employee custom manufacturing facility. This role requires hands-on leadership, an ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational bottlenecks, optimize personnel deployment, and ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery targets are consistently met. This position reports to the Director of Operations and has 8 direct reports (Group Leads).

Primary Responsibilities
          • Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations across Knitting, Sewing, Cutting/Carbon Braid, Resin, PVA, Tri-Tex, Rolling, and Shipping departments.
          • Develop and execute shift schedules and job priorities, ensuring alignment with customer delivery timelines.
          • Lead daily startup and turnover meetings; ensure communication and continuity between shifts.
          • Act as liaison between plant floor and other departments (purchasing, maintenance, etc.) to ensure smooth operations.
          • Coordinate with purchasing to confirm timely arrival of materials and raw goods; anticipate shortages and adapt schedules accordingly.
          • Optimize production workflows, personnel assignments, and department layouts to support reshored manufacturing and new automation lines (e.g. PVA).
          • Own inventory accuracy and ERP (JobBoss) system usage related to raw material movement and job completions.
          • Address equipment issues by coordinating internal and external repair resources.
          • Support and enforce safety, housekeeping, and proper PPE use across all departments.
          • Identify opportunities for cost reductions and improved production yields.
          • Maintain and modify SOPs, metrics, and documentation as needed.
          • Coach, evaluate, and develop group leads; support employee training and cross-functional staffing plans.
          • Collaborate on system changes (e.g., combining departments for end-to-end process ownership) and support change management efforts.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
          • On-time production completion and shipment rates.
          • Department-level and total plant downtime reduction.
          • Inventory transaction accuracy and material availability.
          • PVA line ramp-up success (volume and timeline metrics).
          • Employee productivity and efficiency by department.
          • Successful reallocation of personnel during surge production periods.
          • Engagement and development of group leads and frontline staff.

Team Structure & Reporting
          • Reports To: Director of Operations
          • Direct Reports: 8 Group Leads
          • Total Employees Under Oversight: Approximately 70

Qualifications
          • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
          • Minimum of 5–7 years of supervisory/management experience in a manufacturing environment.
          • Experience coordinating multiple departments in a custom or low/medium volume manufacturing setting.
          • ERP/Inventory system knowledge (JobBoss preferred).
          • Working knowledge of manufacturing methods, machines, and materials handling.
          • Familiarity with health and safety standards, quality systems, and lean/process improvement tools.
          • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience coaching front-line leaders.

Physical Requirements
          • Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, bend, lift up to 55 lbs, and communicate fluently in English. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires regular presence on the production floor.