Plant Manager

Pinnacle Search is working with a mattress manufacturing company in North Carolina to identify new leadership for their production facility! The Plant Manager / Director of Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations at our client's North Carolina-based facility. This role provides end-to-end leadership across production, quality, safety, staffing, supplier management, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, and to the highest quality standards.

This leader will manage daily plant operations while also driving long-term manufacturing planning, peak-season readiness, operational excellence, and cost optimization. The role requires strong hands-on leadership, effective communication across all levels of the organization, and close collaboration with corporate leadership, including regular reporting to the President.

• Oversee all manufacturing departments within the plant, ensuring daily operational readiness and execution.
• Review daily orders, production schedules, and departmental status to ensure alignment with customer demand and delivery commitments.
• Monitor shipping activity to ensure on-time, accurate fulfillment.
• Oversee product quality across all stages of manufacturing, addressing issues proactively and ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.
• Maintain frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person with plant staff, supervisors, suppliers, and corporate partners.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with employees at all levels, fostering accountability, engagement, and alignment.
• Develop and execute manufacturing plans, including staffing and capacity planning for peak seasons.
• Lead workforce planning, including hiring, cross-training, and succession planning to support operational needs.
• Manage HR-related matters, including personnel issues, policy adherence, and employee relations in partnership with HR.
• Drive employee development via regular performance appraisals, goal setting, coaching, and training initiatives.
• Conduct staff and leadership meetings to communicate priorities, performance metrics, and operational updates.
• Oversee facility planning, layout considerations, and space utilization to support efficiency and growth.
• Develop, implement, and oversee plant safety programs, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of safety.
• Review and approve invoices, purchasing requests, and capital expenditures in alignment with budget and operational objectives.
• Lead equipment upgrades and process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers to support production planning and product development.
• Lead cost-savings initiatives in collaboration with suppliers while maintaining quality and delivery standards.
• Oversee new supplier certification processes to ensure compliance with the client's quality, safety, and ethical standards.

• Participate in Corporate/North Carolina Manufacturing meetings.
• Attend Compliance and NC-based operational meetings as required.
• Engage in Corporate/NC material planning meetings to align supply and demand.
• Conduct monthly update calls with the Company President to provide clear visibility into plant performance, challenges, and opportunities.

• Prepare and deliver weekly reports outlining key plant updates, performance metrics, risks, and priorities.
• Provide detailed monthly updates to the President, including operational performance, staffing, quality, safety, and improvement initiatives.

• Runs a safe, stable, predictable plant
• Ships on time, every time
• Protects brand and licensing partner trust
• Develops people, not just output
• Delivers measurable cost and productivity gains
• Communicates clearly and credibly with ownership

• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Requires periodic walking throughout the manufacturing facility during the workday.
• Work is performed in both an office and a manufacturing environment.
• Seasonal exposure to heat, cold, and humidity may occur.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing noise is expected.

• Proven experience in Plant Management with responsibility for overall facility performance and operations.
• Strong background in manufacturing operations and operations management, including workflow optimization, labor utilization, and process improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in production planning and manufacturing execution, with a strong understanding of quality standards and consistency of output.
• Experience leading teams in a high-volume manufacturing environment with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience in the mattress industry, furniture…