Plant Manager
About The Position
Quanex is seeking a Plant Manager to lead its manufacturing facility in Owatonna, Minnesota. The role has full responsibility for site P&L performance and oversees plant operations and maintenance. The Plant Manager balances strategic planning with daily operational excellence and leads the team in meeting customer, productivity, quality, and financial objectives while fostering safety, teamwork, accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager leads production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and logistics; aligns plant goals with Quanex’s long-term vision; and communicates a motivating plant vision connected to corporate and divisional strategies. The role champions lean manufacturing and other improvement initiatives, develops high-performing teams through coaching and talent development, and establishes clear performance expectations with frequent feedback. The Plant Manager also promotes a strong safety culture and operational excellence, and shapes the operation through capital investment planning, technology implementation, and strategic initiatives for sustainable growth. Travel opportunities are available to participate in Kaizen events across North America.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a business-related field, or equivalent experience in lieu of education.
- At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing experience.
- At least five years in a leadership role.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, complex, dynamic business environment.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to balance immediate priorities with long-term business objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to develop talent, delegate effectively, and build a culture of engagement, accountability, and recognition.
- Safety-focused change leadership and effective communication.
- Ability to leverage technology to enhance performance and employee engagement.
Responsibilities
- Lead production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and logistics operations and align plant goals with Quanex’s long-term vision.
- Establish and communicate a motivating plant vision connected to corporate and divisional strategies.
- Champion continuous improvement by implementing lean manufacturing principles and leading initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- Develop high-performing teams through coaching, talent development, succession planning, and fostering accountability, engagement, and recognition.
- Set and communicate clear, measurable performance expectations and provide frequent feedback to support goal achievement and employee development.
- Foster a world-class safety culture and ensure operational excellence throughout the facility.
- Lead capital investment planning, technology implementation, and strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth.
- Oversee all plant operations and maintenance and take full responsibility for site P&L performance.
- Lead the team in achieving customer, productivity, quality, and financial objectives.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Potential annual bonus
- 401(k) with 5% company match, vested after two years
- Employee stock purchase plan with a 15% immediate return for participants
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employer-paid disability plans
- Life insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition support for degree and continuing education
- Employee Resource Groups focused on employee empowerment
- Monthly leadership webinars
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
