Plant Manager

Who We Are

Founded in 1971, Clifton Steel Company (the Company) is a nationally recognized leader in the manufacturing of military armor plate and commercial specialty steel products. Clifton has served the armor plate market for over forty years and is the premier industry supplier of many of its commercial products. The Company is a specialist in abrasion and impact resistant steel fabrication, particularly for quenched and tempered alloy and manganese steel. As a result of investments in production capabilities, access to critical materials and strong customer relationships, Clifton has established a defensible and sustainable market position.

What You'll Do/Need (Job Summary):

The Operations Manager is a key member of the management team and directs the day-to-day activities of the manufacturing facilities of the Company. The Operations Manager is responsible for multi-plant operations, maintenance, warehouse and distribution, plant policies and procedures, quality, scheduling, on-time delivery and inventory reporting. The Operations Manager will have full control of plant & expenses, lead continuous improvement initiatives, contribute to the development of annual plant budgets and drive performance across safety, quality, cost service and production metrics. The position involves supervision of shop floor managers, inventory control, quality, transportation and scheduling. The Operations Manager will supervise and manage a team of 10 individuals, oversee approximately 50 union employees and will report to the President of the Company. This individual must have a strong work ethic, the ability to communicate diplomatically and effectively across all levels, as well as actively demonstrate a commitment to the growth and success of the company.

Responsibilities (Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes, implements and monitors compliance with manufacturing policies and procedures including planning, production, scheduling, shipping and receiving, safety, material handling, customer satisfaction/on time delivery, employee relations and performance measures
• Establishes operations standards for safety, quality, scrap, cost control and on-time delivery
• Directs the implementation and execution of manufacturing policies, preventative maintenance programs and continuous improvement practices throughout the organization
• Oversees the implementation and monitoring of manufacturing schedules, manpower and facilities/equipment requirements, production control standards and safety programs
• Responsible for capacity planning and works closely with sales and customer service to ensure high customer satisfaction
• Works closely with HR department on labor relations issues, interviewing, hiring and training employees, performance appraisals, rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing employee complaints and resolving employee issues
• Directs and oversees the plant operating budget to ensure compliance with planned expenditures and shipments. Prepares operations reports and KPI’s and evaluates results against objectives
• Maintains a clean and safe plant and is responsible for meeting established production goals
• Establishes policies and procedures to ensure complete and accurate inventory reporting. Ensures prompt receipt of material to ensure on time delivery of product to customers
• Recommends and implements changes in manufacturing and facilities to meet the strategic objectives of the Company

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, skills, and abilities required)

• Required 8-10+ years experience with Custom Job shop & preferably in the metals industry
• Strong Background in Engineering, Proven Leadership Skills & has Managed min. of 5-10 direct reports
• Open & Growth Minded, Committed, Proven Problem Solver & Timely in all aspects of duties
• Ability to deal with numerous different personalities, conflict resolution & overall flexibility in Leadership style

What’ll Make You Special (Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities)

·         Technical skills in Lean Manufacturing techniques, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Process Improvement, warehousing and production planning and scheduling

·         Experience managing a union manufacturing facility with over 50 employees

·         Experience with large customer contracts including direct responsibility for meeting established customer satisfaction goals

·         Manufacturing systems development and deployment

·         Hands on, on-the-floor type management style with a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results

·         Strong project management skills

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·         Strong customer orientation and commitment to Company values

·         Extensive knowledge and training in make to order product manufacturing (preferably metals related)

·         And experience in Heat Treating of Steel

·         Hands on & highly proficient with MS Office, and ERP/MRP systems

·         The ability to implement change and develop an organization to meet company objectives

Characteristics of our Operations Manager (Competencies)

• Accuracy, dedication, strong work ethic, keenness for details, strong organization skills, ability to identify and resolve errors, strong critical thinking skills, flexibility, willingness to understand technological tools necessary to meet Company’s requirements
• Positive attitude, willingness to help co-workers within and across departments, demonstrates a collaborative mentality. Consistently demonstrates communication skills (written, aural, verbal, textual), exercises patience, consistently does what is necessary to make appropriate and thoughtful decisions as opposed to automatically going with the option that is most convenient or speedy, puts thought into and provides full responses to requests from department heads, shows keen ability to direct questions and discussions to the appropriate department head to get clarification or to resolve issues
• Shows leadership qualities and sets a positive example for the department with goals of encouraging trust and building relationships and producing accurate and timely data

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

·         This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand

Travel

·         This position may require up to 10-25% travel with occasional travel outside the local area and overnight