Plant Manager

SAN ANTONIO LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND•San Antonio, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager will develop, oversee and implement cost-effective manufacturing operations, with a primary emphasis on employing people who are blind or vision impaired. They will provide leadership and direction for achieving and meeting the overall goals and objectives of the organization, as aligned with corporate vision, mission, values and strategic planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a manufacturing, business or related field required
Experience and familiarity with Ability-One Program, DLA preferred
10 years work experience in direct management of production and manufacturing
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing
Knowledgeable with ISO, Aerospace and GMP Standards
Ability to make an outstanding first impression
Ability to be outgoing and effectively interact with others at all levels
Excellent interpersonal and people skills
Strong sense of urgency & ability to meet tight deadlines
Strong Leadership skills – ability to lead by example
Skills in basic math and engineering
Excellent managerial skills
Focused team player
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Computer literate
Ability to work with a diverse population
Ability to inspire and lead a diversified team of managers
Internally motivated and driven---a self-starter
Ability to plan and develop independently
Exemplary problem solving and critical thinking abilities

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred
Spanish speaking is a plus

Responsibilities

Manages and leads all Manufacturing Operations, including supervision of managers, supervisors, and leads, ensuring alignment with both operational performance and AbilityOne mission objectives.
Drives profitability by product line, including ownership of product-level P&L, cost structure, pricing strategy, and margin optimization across AbilityOne and commercial contracts.
Ensures full compliance with AbilityOne Program requirements, including CNA (e.g., SourceAmerica/NIB) guidelines, federal contracting regulations, and customer-specific contract requirements.
Develops and executes continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost efficiency, labor optimization (including direct labor mix), and margin expansion while supporting employment outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Establishes short- and long-term operational strategies, including capacity planning, contract fulfillment, and product mix optimization across government and commercial business lines.
Maintains a safe and compliant work environment in accordance with OSHA, ISO standards, Aerospace Certifications, and AbilityOne program requirements.
Oversees production planning and execution to ensure on-time delivery and contract compliance for federal customers, including DLA and other government agencies.
Leads annual budget development and ongoing financial management, including detailed variance analysis by contract and product line, ensuring accountability for revenue, cost, and profitability targets.
Monitors external factors including DLA forecasts, government funding changes, and supply chain dynamics, proactively adjusting operations to mitigate risk and protect financial performance.
Tracks and improves key operational KPIs, including cost per unit, labor efficiency, direct labor ratios (AbilityOne compliance), scrap, yield, on-time delivery, and product-level margins.
Leads workforce development with a focus on training, performance management, and advancement opportunities for employees who are blind or visually impaired, aligning operational success with mission impact.
Designs and implements performance management and recognition programs that reinforce both operational excellence and mission achievement.
Demonstrates leadership consistent with organizational core values, balancing mission delivery with financial sustainability.
Performs additional duties and leads strategic initiatives as assigned, including cost optimization, contract expansion, and operational transformation efforts.