Manager Plant

Advanced Drainage Systems•Harrisonville, MO

24d

About The Position

Advanced Drainage Systems (ADS) is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee plant operations, ensure safety, drive production, and collaborate with departments to achieve business objectives. The role is responsible for plant performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee retention, while sustaining continuous improvement through Lean principles and data-driven problem-solving. The Plant Manager develops staffing and talent plans, coaches frontline leaders, manages materials and budgets, and translates corporate and regional strategies into plant-level objectives. The position also involves communicating plant performance, participating in regional and enterprise initiatives, and building relationships with local organizations, schools, and events. Travel is 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or significant manufacturing and management experience.
10+ years of managerial experience in a production environment.
Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.
Strong operational skills and knowledge of Lean business practices.
Ability to drive results in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work as a team leader or member with diverse groups.
Regularly sit, stand, reach, bend, and move about the facility.
Occasionally lift and move up to 25 lbs.
Travel 10%.

Responsibilities

Lead initiatives that promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and corporate standards.
Drive plant performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost, delivery, and employee retention metrics.
Lead and sustain continuous improvement using Lean principles and data-driven problem-solving to eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency.
Reinforce standardized processes and work practices to promote discipline, consistency, and accountability.
Manage staffing levels, succession planning, and talent development to meet production needs and build leadership capability across shifts.
Coach, mentor, and engage frontline leaders to strengthen decision-making and team performance.
Foster employee engagement strategies to reduce turnover, improve morale, and sustain productivity.
Translate corporate and regional strategies into actionable plant-level objectives, using technology, data, and continuous-improvement tools to improve KPIs safely.
Oversee inventory control, materials management, and fulfillment accuracy to support production goals and customer service.
Develop, manage, and adjust the operational budget in response to business demands and market conditions.
Build cross-functional relationships with EHS, Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to align operational plans, schedules, and priorities.
Communicate plant performance to employees, peers, and leadership to support transparency and shared accountability.
Participate in regional initiatives and enterprise projects that support manufacturing excellence and corporate priorities.
Engage with local organizations, schools, and events to build community relationships, enhance ADS brand visibility, and position the plant as a preferred local employer.