Description

Plant Manager

Position type:  Full-Time, Salaried
Pay range: $125,000.00 - $140,000.00
Location: North Grafton, MA

Company Description
 

Washington Mills is one of the largest producers of high-quality abrasive and fused mineral products in the world. It has facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe and serves a global customer base. Its principal business is the fusing of oxide and carbide minerals in electric arc and Acheson furnaces, as well as the grinding and classifying of the minerals into grains and powders.  Established in 1868, Washington Mills continues a long history of excellence in supplying raw materials to the abrasive, refractory, ceramic, and industrial abrasive markets.

Job Description
 

The Plant Manager is responsible for managing all facets of the manufacturing operation in North Grafton, MA to meet and improve key operational measures such as safety, productivity and service, while meeting and exceeding the plant’s financial targets.  This position directs all crushing, grading and maintenance activities for abrasive grain production at the site to produce a quality product within budget guidelines and customer requirements.  This position reports to the VP of Operations.  In addition, this position:

Ensures all operations are performed in compliance with all safety, health and environmental regulations
Interacts with all departments within the company to set, lead and hit strategic and functional targets
Works closely with customers, customer service and quality personnel to identify issues and coordinate the implementation of solutions
Is responsible for planning production schedules based on marketing forecasts and inventory levels and monitoring the plant’s performance vs. forecast
Establishes and controls manufacturing and production costs as a key responsibility
Is responsible for safety and housekeeping in all manufacturing and maintenance areas and for ensuring corrective action is taken on safety problems and complaints
Leads maintenance staff to understand downtime issues and proactively manages production systems and machinery.  Leads shipping team to hit OTD and accuracy targets.
Identifies problem areas and deploys projects to reduce losses and improve functional areas using lean techniques
Provides leadership, training and direction for the manufacturing staff to hit goals and objectives
Communicates well cross-functionally and works with HR to ensure team building, performance management and adherence to all policies and procedures are followed
Plans and executes capital projects to maintain and improve the plant’s performance
Learns the science of abrasive materials and the mechanical alteration of their different properties
 

Essential Functions
Ensure and enforce that all plant departments are in full compliance with all safety and environmental regulations
Ensure efficient and orderly production and maintenance operations to meet production, shipping, and inventory requirements with the highest attention to quality and customer service
Closely monitor process to maximize production yields of each product
Ensure all production equipment is in proper working order by maintaining a regular preventive maintenance program and scheduling repairs in a timely and efficient manner
Establish and nurture a Continuous Improvement culture
Utilize Lean Manufacturing tools (i.e. value stream mapping, Kaizen, 5S, Gemba walks, root cause problem solving) to identify and develop solutions that drive operational improvement
Ensure SOPs are up to date and accurate for all job functions in the plant and office
Control raw material planning and inventory management
Establish Key Performance Indicators and monitor/report performance
Meet product cost objectives including maximizing utilization of manpower, machinery and material and minimizing inventory levels
Establish raw material needs and communicate same
Determine capital needs; recommend improvements and capital projects
Maintain data on costs, budgets, safety, inventory, and continually monitor same vs. budgets/objectives
Schedule personnel and machinery to best implement production control and marketing requirements
Provide leadership, training, and direction to manufacturing team to accomplish the Company goals and objectives
Provide for the personal and professional growth of subordinates through coaching, feedback, and opportunity
Facilitate the development of strategies and corrective actions to resolve quality issues as necessary
Responsible for labor relations to include discipline and resolution regarding open issues and concerns
Assist in the development of a business plan and be responsible for meeting financial objectives set forth in the annual business plan
Test, measure and study products to understand the manufacturing impacts on material properties
Deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to update management on plant performance
Communicate and coordinate with Human Resource Department on needs of the facility
Perform other tasks as assigned
 

 Required Skills & Qualifications
 

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or material science preferred
5+ years of plant managerial experience
Good mechanical aptitude
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work as part of a team
Good analytical skills and detail-oriented
Able to recognize process inefficiencies and cost saving opportunities
Able to meet deadlines
Capable of performing tasks both independently and as a team member
In depth knowledge of manufacturing systems and processes
Able to troubleshoot complex system problems
Able to understand Profit and Loss statements and explain variances in expenses compared to budget
Outstanding communication skills with the ability to inspire and produce energetic performances
Able to steer the strategy and operational performance
Motivated, dedicated, diligent, curious, self-starter
 

Compensation/Benefits
 

Washington Mills offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package including:

Medical and dental plans heavily subsidized by Company
Company paid life insurance
401(k) with an employer match and employer contribution
On-site parking
Immediate paid vacation and holidays
Family-friendly sick and personal leave
Opportunities for career development
 

Interested? We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

The above statement reflects the general details considered necessary to describe principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Washington Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. M/F/D/V. Qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

 
Washington Mills is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THIS INFORMATION. 
 

I certify that the information on this application and its supporting documents is accurate and complete. I understand and agree that failure to fully complete the form, or misrepresentation or omission of facts, represents grounds for elimination from consideration for employment, or termination after employment if discovered at a later date. 
 

I authorize Washington Mills to investigate, without liability, all statements contained in this application and supporting materials.

I authorize references and former employers, without liability, to make full responses to any inquiries in connection with this application for employment. 
 

If selected for a position, I agree to submit to a physical exam, background investigation, and/or screening for illegal substances upon conditional offer of employment, depending on the position requirements. Job-related concerns identified during any of the above screenings may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 
 

I understand that this document is NOT an offer of employment, and that an offer of employment, if tendered, does NOT constitute a contract for continued guaranteed employment. I understand that employees of Washington Mills who work at union facilities and are obligated to join the union as a result of the position they are applying for, serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable contract and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by you, for any or no reason, and the Company may terminate you pursuant to the applicable contract but in no event for a reason prohibited by law. 
 

If employed, I will be required to furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and any other information required to be provided to employer by law or for benefit eligibility, and to comply with Company and departmental policies, practices, rules, and regulations.

I understand that if employed on a temporary basis, I would be paid for hours worked only, and would be ineligible for benefits including paid time off. I understand that any benefits I receive outside any applicable contract may be subject to change or discontinuation at any time without prior notice. 
 

I understand that if offered employment, I will be required to complete a Form I-9 and that the Company reserves the right to terminate my employment if said information is processed through E-Verify and I am unable to resolve any discrepancies in my information with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other applicable government agency.