Position Overview:
GTI is seeking a Plant Manager to support the planning, launch, and sustainment of manufacturing operations for new and existing production facilities in Buffalo, NY. This is a unique opportunity to participate directly in the design and implementation of new manufacturing facilities and production lines while helping scale operations to support company growth.
The Plant Manager will work closely with Company ownership, Engineering, Operations, and facility planning teams to support facility layout development, process implementation, manufacturing efficiency initiatives, and operational readiness activities. Once operational, this role will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day manufacturing operations for the facility including production execution, workforce leadership, safety, quality, and operational performance.
The ideal candidate will have experience leading manufacturing operations within fabrication, industrial manufacturing, modular assembly, or engineered-to-order production environments and possess a strong operational leadership background focused on execution, scalability, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with Engineering and Operations teams in the design layout and process development for new manufacturing facilities and production lines
Provide operational guidance related to manufacturing practicality, workflow efficiency, and implementation of proposed processes and procedures
Support planning and implementation activities associated with facility expansion, manufacturing readiness, and operational scalability
Directly interface with contractors, vendors, suppliers, and distributors supporting facility development and operational initiatives
Provide facility maintenance oversight and operational support during facility planning and startup activities
Support implementation of manufacturing systems, workflows, and operational standards aligned with production requirements
Plan, organize, direct, and oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations across the facility
Provide leadership and direction to hourly production staff and operational teams
Drive production output, operational efficiency, product quality, and on-time delivery performance
Allocate labor, equipment, and operational resources to maximize throughput and manufacturing performance
Increase production capacity and operational flexibility while minimizing unnecessary cost and maintaining quality standards
Monitor daily operations and implement corrective actions to support operational targets and schedule execution
Commit to and enforce plant safety procedures, policies, and operational standards
Support a strong safety culture through accountability, engagement, and operational discipline
Ensure manufacturing operations support quality expectations, process compliance, and customer requirements
Collect and analyze operational data to identify inefficiencies, waste, downtime, or overtime reduction opportunities
Develop systems and processes that track productivity, operational metrics, standards, and performance targets
Drive operational accountability across production, safety, quality, and delivery performance metrics
Implement operational strategies aligned with company initiatives and long-term growth objectives
Provide clear direction, leadership, and focus across manufacturing operations
Develop strategic initiatives for the facility and partner cross-functionally to execute operational improvements
Support continuous improvement activities focused on manufacturing efficiency, process optimization, and operational scalability
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, communication, and operational execution
Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and Leadership teams to improve overall manufacturing performance
Facility Planning & Operational Development
Manufacturing Operations Leadership
Safety, Quality & Operational Performance
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Plant Manager or senior manufacturing operations leader
Proven experience overseeing multiple departments and managing plant operations within manufacturing environments
Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and people management
Prior experience supporting the design and implementation of new production lines or manufacturing facilities
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial equipment, and production workflows
Knowledge of safety, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational stewardship processes
Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
Strong team building, leadership, decision-making, and people management skills
High-mix, low-volume manufacturing
Modular fabrication or industrial assembly
Structural steel fabrication or welding operations
Electrical integration or industrial equipment manufacturing
Contract manufacturing environments
Data center, energy, defense, or heavy industrial manufacturing
Required Qualifications
Preferred Industry Background
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Plant Manager or senior manufacturing operations leader
- Proven experience overseeing multiple departments and managing plant operations within manufacturing environments
- Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and people management
- Prior experience supporting the design and implementation of new production lines or manufacturing facilities
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, industrial equipment, and production workflows
- Knowledge of safety, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational stewardship processes
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Strong team building, leadership, decision-making, and people management skills
- High-mix, low-volume manufacturing background
- Modular fabrication or industrial assembly experience
- Structural steel fabrication or welding operations experience
- Electrical integration or industrial equipment manufacturing experience
- Experience in contract manufacturing environments
- Background in data center, energy, defense, or heavy industrial manufacturing
What We Do
GTI Fabrication is a leading U.S.-based contract manufacturer specializing in complex steel enclosures and fully integrated systems for critical industries, including Energy Storage (BESS), Defense, Data Centers, and Power Generation. Founded in 2015, the company provides high-volume production and end-to-end engineering services, specializing in modular containerized solutions and structural steel fabrication across its facilities in the United States and Mexico.
