Plant General Manager

General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of a PET manufacturing facility, including blow molding, closure and/or injection operations. The role spans single-process plants (one production process) and multi-process plants (a combination of injection/preforms, blow molding, and closures); the core accountabilities are the same, while scope, scale, and organizational complexity increase with the number of processes. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operations while delivering high-quality products, developing talent, and achieving financial and operational objectives aligned with our client's business strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and coordinate all activities of a manufacturing plant, including both operational and administrative functions, to obtain optimal utilization, efficiency and product quality across all shifts and maximize financial results.
• Drive accountability for key performance indicators (KPIs), including safety, quality, machine efficiency, scrap, uptime, labor efficiency, and customer service.
• Establish and maintain a strong positive working relationship with customers that are supplied by the plant. Proactively address service or quality issues.
• Visit customers as needed to resolve any issues that may arise and participate in customer partnership meetings. Ensure that appropriate actions are taken so that customer expectations are met.
• Ensure that plant and Company policies are administered to provide consistent treatment of all employees.
• Coordinate production scheduling and material flow to optimize internal and external processes.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team by building the plant's bench through active succession planning, development plans, and internal promotions.
• Adopt and sustain Company standards and data-driven manufacturing practices.
• Ensure a safe working environment that supports high performance work teams and maintains a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, food safety (as applicable), Company policies and all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Provide developmental and training opportunities for all employees, through both internal and external programs. Interface with Human Resources and the Corporate Training and Development Manager to coordinate training programs.
• Prepare annual capital and operating budgets for the manufacturing facility. Review and approve all plant purchase orders and invoices. Coordinate month end closing activities and submittal of necessary reports.
• Analyze financial performance and implement actions to meet or exceed targets.
• Approve expenditures, monitor costs, and ensure fiscal discipline.
• Cooperate and respond to requests for information or audits as required.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of Company policies and practices.
• Drive employee engagement and communication at all levels of the plant.
• Partner with corporate functions (HR, Safety, Finance, Engineering, IT, Legal) to implement company initiatives.
• Align plant goals with Company strategy and performance expectations.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on plant performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Manufacturing Operations.
• Comply with all activities related to product safety, legality, regulatory compliance, and quality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years manufacturing management experience.
• Proven success leading plant operations in a high-volume, automated environment.
• Experience in blow molding, injection, compression, plastics, or packaging manufacturing preferred.
• Demonstrated financial and operational management experience.

Key

Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Operational excellence and continuous improvement mindset.
• Financial acumen and business decision-making capability.
• Ability to use operational data and KPIs to drive decisions and accountability.
• Understanding of OSHA, employment laws, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent communication and customer relationship skills.
• Ability to lead through change and drive culture transformation