Plant Manager

Shape Corp is a global leader in advanced metal manufacturing, recognized for its expertise in complex aluminum extrusion, fabrication, and value-added manufacturing processes. Our Trenton, Ohio facility is leading our Advanced Industries Division and leverages world-class aluminum extrusion technology, precision CNC machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly capabilities to deliver innovative solutions for some of the industry's most demanding applications. 

While Shape has a long history of supporting leading automotive manufacturers, we are rapidly expanding into aerospace, new space, and emerging technologies. Our team is working on exciting new programs that require agility and a commitment to delivering results in fast-paced, highly technical environments.

Our Trenton facility is a growing operation with significant opportunities to make an impact. We are seeking driven professionals who thrive on challenging work, enjoy collaborating with high expectation customers, and are energized by developing innovative manufacturing solutions. If you are motivated by technical challenges, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to build something great within a growing organization, Shape Corp offers an environment where you can make a difference.

Position Summary:  The Plant Manager is responsible for management and leadership of production, production scheduling, plant quality, maintenance, tool room and manufacturing engineering activities to ensure that continuous improvement in Key Performance Indicators is maintained, along with ensuring Corporate and Plant Strategic goals are achieved.

Essential Job Functions include, but not limited to, the following:

• Safety and Environment
• Support corporate safety policies and lead safety activities to ensure a safe working environment for all associates
• Support corporate environmental policies and ensure policy compliance
• Quality
• Establish and mange quality systems and procedures to ensure adherence to Corporate Quality Policies, external standards (e.g. TS16949, ISO9001, customer specific standards, etc.)
• Ensure root cause and corrective action implemented on all problem records to prevent reoccurrence
• Production
• Establish and manage production scheduling and manufacturing systems to ensure that inventories are maintained at an optimal level so that customer delivery expectations are met
• Establish activities to ensure continuous improvement in *KPI’s (see below for KPI list)
• Facilitate problem solving activities in response to safety, quality, delivery and audit findings in compliance with internal problem solving policies and procedures
• Establish the annual plant budget in accordance with company policies and procedures
• Manage cost drivers (materials, labor, discretionary spending, etc.) to ensure optimal plant operations while maintaining budgetary discipline
• Support new program launches by providing resources to participate in launch teams, monitoring launch progress through formal (phase gate review) and informal methods, and take action as necessary to ensure launch objectives are met
• Support and lead lean manufacturing activities in support of the vision and intent of the Shape Production System
• Establishing procedures and systems to ensure that the plant is kept in an appropriate level of cleanliness
• Conduct Business Operation System (BOS) reviews on a regular basis to review and report on overall plant operation
• Establish manufacturing feasibility activities and direction
• Lead continuous improvement activities
• KPI – Key Performance Indicators including safety incidents, customer incidents, external quality PPM, internal quality PPM, scrap, delivery PPM, machine utilization, machine efficiency, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy and inventory turns
• Staff Management
• Conduct timely and complete performance evaluations of direct associates; and ensure timely and complete performance evaluation of associates reporting under your indirect supervision
• Assess subordinates skill sets, current and future development needs and take steps to mentor and develop them appropriately
• Set direction of department and hold individuals accountable to performance standard and strategic objectives
• Relate and interact with associates and customers at all levels.
• Manage multiple activities efficiently and simultaneously, achieving excellent results.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Supervise Production Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Maintenance Leaders, Tool Room Leaders, Planners/Schedulers, CRS, Administrative Assistant (if applicable by region).
• Identify and train a back-up(s) to manage key tasks when absent.
• Additional functions not specifically outlined in this position description as directed by the leader.

Position Skills and Experience Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Bachelors of Science in Business, Manufacturing, Engineering or related field; Masters of Business Administration preferred.
• 5-10 Years experience in operations of manufacturing.
• 3-5 Years experience managing a manufacturing team.
• Previous experience in automotive industry.
• Well organized and even temperament to meet dynamic nature of manufacturing.
• Proven ability to motivate staff and build self-esteem.
• Considerable experience/skills in automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Innovative problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to build strong relationships with high expectation customers.
• Customer focused mindset while effectively balancing customer requirements with business objectives and operational capabilities.
• Thrives in fast paced, dynamic environment where priorities can shift rapidly and responsiveness is critical.