Operations & Engineering Manager; Startup

Location: Mullins, South Carolina
Relocation Assistance Available

This is an opportunity to build a manufacturing operation—not simply inherit one.

My client is launching a new manufacturing facility in Mullins, South Carolina, focused on producing proprietary panel products. The plant is currently in startup and commissioning mode, with the first two production lines more than 50% complete. Over the next several years, the operation is expected to grow to nine production lines and approximately 125 employees.

We are seeking a highly hands-on manufacturing leader who can help take the facility from equipment installation and startup through full-scale production.

Initially, this position will operate at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, automation, project management, quality, maintenance, and operations. As the facility grows, the successful individual is expected to assume increasing responsibility for the overall operation, with the goal of progressing into the Plant Manager role within approximately the first year.

For the right candidate, relocation assistance to the Mullins, SC area is available.

The Startup Engineering & Operations Manager will play a critical leadership role in bringing the new facility online and building the systems necessary to support its growth.

Early priorities will include completing production line installation and commissioning, troubleshooting equipment and automation issues, establishing quality and maintenance systems, supporting MRP and production planning processes, and improving equipment reliability and throughput.

This is a highly visible, hands-on position. The successful candidate must be equally comfortable troubleshooting equipment on the plant floor, managing an installation project, working with equipment vendors, developing manufacturing systems, and discussing future plant capacity with senior leadership.

As the operation matures, the position will evolve from a technical and startup-focused role into broader responsibility for the facility, with the expectation that the successful individual will transition into the Plant Manager position.

• Lead and support the installation, commissioning, startup, and optimization of new manufacturing equipment and production lines.
• Drive completion and stabilization of the facility's initial two production lines.
• Manage projects associated with future expansion from two production lines to nine.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, contractors, integrators, vendors, and internal resources.
• Identify startup obstacles and take ownership of driving them through resolution.
• Participate in equipment selection, capital planning, installation, and future plant expansion initiatives.

• Troubleshoot complex manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and motion-control applications.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, controls, PLC, servo, drive, and process-related equipment problems.
• Lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Establish preventive and predictive maintenance processes.
• Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop technical capabilities within the plant organization as the team grows.

• Establish scalable manufacturing processes, standard work, operating procedures, and performance expectations.
• Help build an operation capable of growing from approximately 25 employees today to approximately 125 employees.
• Develop and monitor plant KPIs around safety, quality, production, downtime, scrap, efficiency, and cost.
• Partner with production employees and leadership to identify bottlenecks and improve manufacturing performance.
• Develop the operational infrastructure necessary to support additional production lines and increased volume.
• Help build a culture centered around safety, accountability, problem-solving, quality, and continuous improvement.

• Utilize MRP/ERP systems to support production planning, material availability, inventory management, purchasing, and manufacturing operations.
• Understand and manage the relationship between bills of materials (BOMs), inventory, purchasing, production schedules, and customer demand.
• Help establish…