Plant Manager

Russell Tobin is working with a leading specialty manufacturer in the South Bend area to bring on an experienced Plant Manager! This is a permanent/direct hire role with a salary in the $120k-$140k/year range.

The Plant Manager directs, coordinates, and supervises all engineering and maintenance activities at the facility. This role focuses on improving process efficiency and sustainability while reducing waste.

Essential Functions:

• Direct and coordinate all engineering and contractor groups to maintain the plant’s property and production equipment, ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted service.
• Act as an Agent of Change, striving for continuous improvement within the site by initiating and implementing design and engineering changes to enhance plant efficiency and sustainability, and reduce waste.
• Manage the plant’s maintenance function through a subordinate Maintenance Supervisor and Process Engineer, providing work planning and direction, performance appraisals, coaching, and mentoring.
• Recommend capital expenditures to meet production and sales objectives and maintain the facility, securing necessary resources for project completion.
• Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance program for the plant.
• Work closely with the EHS Manager to promptly resolve safety, environmental, or regulatory issues.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders, including investors and potential customers.
• Attend trade shows and conferences, and visit suppliers’ facilities.
• Recommend and implement changes to control process variables to improve product quality consistency.
• Ensure projects are completed within budget and schedule standards.
• Maintain knowledge of plant safety, EPA, IDEM, and OSHA programs and requirements.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role, with a strong understanding of batch chemical process equipment and technology, including mixing and materials handling equipment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Good analytical skills with a focus on continuous improvement; Six Sigma Green Belt certification is a plus.
• Understanding of project justification economics (ROI, payback, IRR, life cycle costs, etc.).