Plant Manager

Standex International is a global industrial growth company focused on innovation in electronics, forming technologies, engraving, and scientific refrigeration.

Standex Engraving is launching a new, state-of-the-art automotive interior soft trim part manufacturing facility in Fraser, MI. We seek a dynamic Plant Manager to lead all aspects of plant and production management in a start-up operation.

• Oversee all plant operations, including production, quality, safety, maintenance, and logistics to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Plan, coordinate, and control manufacturing processes to ensure production targets and customer deadlines are met.
• Lead, coach, and develop department leads, production supervisors, and operators, fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement process improvements for plastic injection molding operations.
• Ensure adherence to automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, etc.) and enforce company policies with a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Collaborate with maintenance and quality teams to minimize downtime and scrap rates.
• Maintain production reports, analyze data, and recommend process optimization strategies.
• Manage site P&L, operating within budget and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Approve maintenance work, equipment purchases, and coordinate shipments with logistics and customers.
• Ensure proper staffing levels and schedules, track and approve paid time off, hours worked, and manage personnel matters including interviewing, hiring, scheduling, development, training, performance management, retention, and terminations (partnering with local HR).
• Drive proactive actions to foster employee engagement and ensure a respectful, ethical work environment.
• Communicate effectively with customers, upper management, and internal teams regarding production timing, quality, and delivery.
• Model company policies and values, promote a positive work environment, champion safety and quality initiatives, culture surveys, and recognition programs.
• Miscellaneous duties in support of successful business operation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field preferred (experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• 3+ years of operational management experience in manufacturing, Class A soft trim automotive interior manufacturing, including edge-folding and finesse operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and travel locally as required.

• Experience in automotive plastic injection molding; prior experience with start-up desirable.
• Proactive approach, ability to prioritize and act with a sense of urgency.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and change and willingness to constantly learn and adapt.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience deploying, qualifying and validating new processes in a highly automated production environment.
• Proficiency in GD&T and experimental design.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret production data and solve technical challenges using first principles.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Highly knowledgeable of quality standards and health & safety regulations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and production management software.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.