Warp Knit Plant Manager

Warp Knit Manufacturing Facility | Pennsylvania

A leading textile manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Plant Manage
r to lead all operations within a warp knit manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. This individual will be responsible for driving production performance, safety, quality, employee engagement, and operational excellence across the plant. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in textile manufacturing, with experience in warp knitting, production management, maintenance coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role requires a hands‑on leader who can effectively manage people, processes, and performance while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.

• Direct and oversee all day‑to‑day manufacturing operations within the facility.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting customer quality and delivery expectations.
• Monitor plant performance through key metrics including productivity, efficiency, quality, scrap, and labor utilization.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve throughput, capacity, and profitability.
• Manage plant budgets and control operating expenses.

• Lead all warp knitting operations, including knitting, warping, inspection, and finishing support activities.
• Optimize machine utilization, production flow, and equipment performance.
• Ensure proper setup, operation, and maintenance of warp knitting equipment.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve efficiency and product quality.
• Partner with technical and engineering teams to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges.

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and department managers.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee training, succession planning, and workforce development initiatives.
• Promote positive employee relations and engagement throughout the facility.

• Champion a culture of safety and ensure compliance with all OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
• Drive quality initiatives to ensure products consistently meet customer specifications.
• Lead corrective action efforts and root cause analysis for quality and production issues.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and manufacturing standards.

• Partner with maintenance leadership to maximize equipment reliability and uptime.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive waste reduction, process optimization, and cost‑saving projects.

• Collaborate with sales, planning, customer service, engineering, and supply chain teams to meet customer requirements.
• Participate in strategic planning and long‑term growth initiatives.
• Prepare and present operational reports, KPI reviews and improvement plans to senior leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Textile Technology, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Previous experience managing operations within a textile manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of warp knit manufacturing processes.
• Proven experience leading large production teams.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Experience managing safety, quality, production, and maintenance functions.

• Experience with Karl Mayer or similar warp knitting equipment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
• Knowledge of textile finishing, dyeing, inspection or converting operations.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing management systems.
• Multi‑shift manufacturing leadership experience.
• Leadership & Team Development.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Operational Excellence.
• Lean Manufacturing.
• Production Planning.
• Quality System.
• Change Management.
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Long‑term career growth opportunities.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and production environment.
• Frequent walking throughout the plant and production area.
• Hands‑on leadership presence required on the manufacturing floor.