Plant Manager

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions•Erie, PA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for Zurn Elkay’s Flow Systems Drains Center of Excellence in Erie, Pennsylvania, overseeing a multi-shift manufacturing operation. The role leads production, planning, maintenance, supply chain, and continuous improvement activities while driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, productivity, and associate engagement. It aligns plant operations with business objectives, maximizes capacity utilization, manages capital investment and maintenance strategies, and builds a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and operational excellence. The Plant Manager leads value stream managers, supervisors, planners, maintenance professionals, and associates. The role supports the company’s fulfillment strategy, profitable growth, and customer value creation through Lean, ZEBS, and other continuous improvement methods. This position reports to the Director of Operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field.
At least 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, including plant management responsibilities.
Experience leading multi-shift manufacturing operations.
Previous union leadership experience.
Strong understanding of production planning, manufacturing operations, maintenance, supply chain, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and manufacturing safety programs.
Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and driving operational results.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Lean Six Sigma certification and demonstrated experience leading operational excellence initiatives.
Experience implementing TPM, OEE, Visual Daily Management (VDM), and World Class Manufacturing principles.
Experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to plant operations, planning, maintenance, and support teams.
Lead a multi-shift manufacturing operation to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity objectives.
Develop and execute strategic plans aligned with company goals and operational priorities.
Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ZEBS methodologies, and continuous improvement practices.
Foster accountability, collaboration, engagement, and associate development.
Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand while maximizing labor, equipment, and facility capacity.
Monitor production performance and ensure output meets planned schedules and customer expectations.
Use inventory, demand, and capacity reporting to manage order fulfillment and inventory availability.
Coordinate manufacturing, purchasing, machining, assembly, and outside processing activities to support on-time delivery.
Work with Customer Care, Procurement, Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to resolve constraints and improve service levels.
Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
Champion safety and continuous risk reduction, and partner with Quality teams to maintain standards and drive corrective and preventive actions.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions to eliminate recurring operational issues.
Advance continuous improvement through ZEBS, Kaizen events, Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and problem-solving methodologies.
Develop and maintain standard work, visual management systems, and KPI-driven management routines.
Lead plant-wide improvement initiatives targeting productivity, lead-time reduction, inventory optimization, and cost savings.
Use KPI reporting and Visual Daily Management systems to monitor performance and sustain improvements.
Develop and execute the plant Total Productive Maintenance strategy and master plan, and implement and monitor OEE programs.
Manage facility maintenance and CMMS operations, including spare parts and preventive maintenance programs.
Oversee facility infrastructure, including HVAC, compressed air, wastewater treatment systems, and building maintenance.
Analyze equipment performance and failures to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
Identify, justify, and execute capital improvement projects supporting growth, efficiency, safety, and quality.
Lead capital planning, appropriation requests, and project implementation.
Monitor spending, manage costs, and drive productivity improvements to meet financial targets.
Collaborate with commercial teams, service centers, customers, and third-party sales representatives to meet customer expectations.
Lead problem resolution for customer concerns and supply chain challenges.
Partner with Finance, Engineering, Quality, Information Technology, Customer Care, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to improve business performance.
Build and develop high-performing teams through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and talent development.
Lead hiring, onboarding, performance evaluations, and workforce planning.
Champion associate engagement initiatives that promote inclusion, recognition, ownership, and belonging.
Create an environment that promotes trust, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Benefits

Competitive salary
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short-term disability, long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance
Matching 401(k) contribution
Health Savings Account
Up to 3 weeks of starting vacation, which may increase with tenure
12 paid holidays
Annual bonus eligibility
Educational reimbursement
Matching Gift Program
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount