Plant Manager

Silgan Dispensing Systems•Watertown, CT

54d•Onsite

About The Position

The Connecticut Campus Operations Leader is responsible for the overall performance, strategic direction, and profitability of a complex multi-site, multi-P&L manufacturing campus. Reporting directly to this role are the leaders of Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Operations, with overall accountability for all campus functions including EHS, Engineering, Maintenance, Human Resources, Continuous Improvement, Purchasing, Warehousing & Logistics, Finance, and Customer Relations. As the senior site leader, this role drives operational excellence, financial performance, customer satisfaction, and workforce development while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. The position is responsible for achieving operating profit, cash flow, productivity, quality, delivery, and service objectives while ensuring efficient utilization of resources and assets. This leader ensures compliance with the Silgan Dispensing Systems (SDS) Code of Conduct, company policies, and all applicable regulatory requirements. Success in this role requires strong business acumen, strategic leadership, and the ability to align cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable growth, operational excellence, and exceptional customer outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including plant or general management responsibility within a complex manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success leading multi-functional teams across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Customer Service, and Continuous Improvement.
Experience managing manufacturing operations with 100-250+ employees and full P&L accountability.
Minimum 10 years of experience in injection molding and high-speed automated assembly manufacturing environments.
Strong knowledge of injection molding processes, tooling, polymers, and manufacturing technologies.
Proven track record of implementing Operational Excellence methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 6S, Standard Work, and Continuous Improvement programs.
Experience leading organizational change, driving cultural transformation, and implementing strategic business initiatives.
Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze operating results, manage budgets, and drive profitability through operational improvements.
Experience supporting New Product Development and successfully launching new products into production.
Thorough understanding of Quality Systems, SPC, GMP, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively within a matrix organization and across multiple sites.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data to drive decision-making and sustainable business results.
Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization.
Proven ability to recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing teams while building organizational capability and succession pipelines.
Hands-on leader capable of balancing strategic planning with tactical execution and operational discipline.
Commitment to industry benchmarking, technology adoption, and innovation to create a resilient, future-ready manufacturing operation.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to travel up to 20%, including domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

Establish and sustain a high-performance culture that promotes accountability, employee engagement, leadership development, and continuous improvement.
Lead all aspects of campus operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, profitability, and cash flow objectives.
Develop and execute strategic and annual operating plans that support business growth and organizational goals.
Prepare and manage site budgets, ensuring effective cost control and achievement of financial commitments.
Drive operational excellence through the implementation of standardized processes, performance management systems, and Lean manufacturing principles.
Lead manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production while meeting customer, quality, and delivery expectations.
Partner with commercial teams to strengthen customer relationships, resolve issues, and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Collaborate with Engineering and New Product Development teams to ensure successful execution of new product launches and capital projects.
Evaluate and recommend investments in technology, equipment, and systems that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
Foster strong communication and collaboration across sites and corporate functions while sharing best practices throughout the organization.
Recruit, develop, coach, and mentor leaders and employees to build organizational capability and support succession planning.
Ensure compliance with all company policies, the SDS Code of Conduct, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Champion Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Quality, and Lean initiatives, establishing a culture focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee well-being.
Monitor and drive key performance indicators, including safety, quality, customer satisfaction, delivery performance, productivity, inventory management, waste reduction, operating profit, and cash flow.