Plant Manager – CNC Machining

Mequon, WI | Department:
Operations |

Reports to:

Director of Operations

Hayes Performance Systems is a trusted leader in precision engineering and manufacturing, serving industries like powersports, cycling, agriculture, construction, and government. Since 1946, we’ve built high-performance braking and suspension systems known worldwide for their quality and reliability. In 2023, we expanded through the acquisition of ACI Industries, strengthening our capabilities in complex machining and precision assembly. At Hayes, we don’t just make parts – we make performance possible.

We value teamwork, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement, and we’re looking for people who want to grow with us.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Holiday Parties & Employee Events throughout the year
• A supportive, team‑focused culture where your ideas are valued and your work makes an impact

We’re hiring a Plant Manager – CNC Machining to lead overall performance and continuous improvement for our CNC machining operations. This role has full responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost across the machining plant. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Scheduling to drive machining performance across setups, tooling, process stability, inspection flow, scrap reduction, and capacity.

You’ll lead a union manufacturing organization and play a critical role in driving operational excellence and building a high‑performing, accountable culture.

• Lead plant‑wide KPI performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, scrap, and cost
• Build strong relationships with employees and leaders across the shop floor
• Improve OEE, uptime, setups, cycle time, and first‑pass yield
• Own machining process control, standard work, and plant operating rhythms
• Partner with Engineering and Quality on capability, control plans, and corrective actions
• Improve schedule attainment, WIP control, and material flow across the plant
• Drive tooling and fixturing readiness and execution discipline
• Reduce scrap, variation, and waste through structured problem‑solving
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance (LOTO, guarding, chip/coolant handling)
• Monitor production performance, run rates, and capacity planning
• Lead plant‑level problem‑solving and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop, coach, and hold accountable supervisors, leads, and machinists
• Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and workforce planning

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business, or equivalent manufacturing leadership experience
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with a Lean or continuous improvement focus
• 5+ years of CNC machining operations experience (milling/turning preferred)
• Strong knowledge of machining setups, tooling, fixturing, and process control
• Ability to read engineering drawings and understand GD&T
• Experience with CMM or in‑process inspection methods
• Proven success improving scrap, throughput, OEE, and delivery performance
• Experience leading in a union manufacturing environment
• Lean, Six Sigma, or CPIM certification (a plus)
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills

You’ll thrive here if you enjoy contributing your skills, solving problems, and being part of a team that delivers real‑world performance.

Apply today and join a company where your work makes a lasting impact across industries.