Plant Manager

Mativ • Columbia, WI

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager leads all aspects of manufacturing operations at Tekra’s production facility in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The role is responsible for safe, efficient, high-quality production of specialty coated films and related material solutions, and provides strategic and day-to-day leadership across production, maintenance, quality, safety, inventory, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager drives operational excellence through employee development, process optimization, Lean Manufacturing principles, and cross-functional collaboration to support customer satisfaction, financial objectives, and organizational growth.

The position oversees plant operations and performance, including production planning, resource utilization, safety and environmental compliance, quality management, continuous improvement, talent development, plant budgets, and cost control. The Plant Manager collaborates with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Sales, and Product Development, and supports new product introductions and process transfers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 5 years of plant management or senior operations leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and production planning.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing budgets and operational metrics.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, manufacturing software, and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in coated films, converting, plastics, specialty materials, packaging, printing, or related manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer requirements and business goals.
• Monitor manufacturing performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, materials, and facility resources.
• Lead daily production meetings and establish accountability for departmental performance.
• Promote a culture of safety and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead safety initiatives, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
• Partner with leadership to reduce workplace injuries and strengthen employee engagement in safety programs.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain a quality culture focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Quality leadership to ensure products meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to quality issues, customer complaints, and production variances.
• Support audits, certifications, and improvement of quality management systems.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput and yield, reduce waste, and optimize operating costs.
• Use data and analytics to monitor plant performance and inform operational decisions.
• Lead capital improvement projects and process enhancement initiatives.
• Coach and develop production managers and operations team members.
• Build a high-performance culture based on accountability, teamwork, communication, and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on workforce planning, employee relations, training, and succession planning.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development initiatives.
• Develop and manage plant operating budgets.
• Monitor labor, material, maintenance, and overhead costs.
• Identify and implement cost savings opportunities without compromising safety, quality, or customer service.
• Contribute to annual business planning and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Sales, and Product Development.
• Support new product introductions and process transfers.

Benefits

• Mativ offers benefit choices intended to accommodate employees’ and families’ differing needs; benefits are described as high quality, competitive, and affordable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager