Plant Manager

James Hardie•Tacoma, WA

20d

About The Position

The Plant Manager is a senior operational leader responsible for directing and optimizing the daily operations of a larger, more complex, or multi-line manufacturing facility. The role oversees multiple layers of leadership, including supervisors, managers, engineers, and production teams, and is accountable for strategic planning, operational excellence, financial performance, and plant culture. The Plant Manager ensures efficient and safe production, drives long-term improvements, influences cross-functional initiatives, and aligns plant operations with broader organizational strategies. The role requires exceptional leadership, advanced operational expertise, high-level decision-making, proactive thinking, mentoring future leaders, and delivery of world-class operational outcomes. Geographical mobility is required within 2–3 years to lead another site in the North American network as Plant Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
7–10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, including experience managing large-scale operations, multiple production lines, or a manufacturing plant with complex product workflows.
3–5 years in plant leadership or multi-department management.
Significant experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Geographical mobility within 2–3 years to lead another site in the North American network as Plant Manager.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Oversee complex or high-volume manufacturing operations and ensure consistent performance across multiple production areas.
Develop multi-year operational strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across quality, safety, production, and cost-efficiency.
Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence frameworks throughout the plant.
Plan and manage production capacity, asset utilization, and throughput to meet or exceed organizational targets.
Monitor and improve KPIs, including OEE, scrap and rework, downtime, labor efficiency, and cost per unit.
Implement data-driven processes to optimize workflow, reduce waste, and maximize resource allocation.
Develop, maintain, and forecast annual operating budgets, capital expenditures, and cost-control plans.
Conduct financial analysis to improve margins, reduce costs, and support strategic investment decisions.
Ensure strong ROI on equipment, technology upgrades, and process improvements.
Ensure adherence to regulatory standards, including OSHA, EPA, and ISO requirements.
Champion the plant’s safety culture and own plant-level EHS performance.
Oversee quality management systems and ensure consistency with certification and industry standards.
Manage a leadership structure that includes supervisors, operations managers, engineering teams, and support staff.
Develop managerial talent, succession plans, and high-performance teams.
Coach and mentor direct reports and emerging leaders to improve operational capability and career growth.
Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, and Corporate Leadership on business initiatives.
Support new product introductions, plant expansions, and technology integrations.
Represent operations in corporate initiatives affecting operations, safety, quality, and workforce development.
Deliver operational reports and presentations to senior executives.
Communicate plant performance, risks, and opportunities transparently.
Build trust and alignment across all organizational levels, from floor team members to executive leadership.