Plant Manager

Gwynedd Manufacturing is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Plant Manager with a strong CNC machining background to lead day-to-day operations in a high-precision environment. This role is ideal for someone who has progressed through the ranks—from the shop floor into leadership—and is ready to step into a broader operational role.

The ideal candidate brings deep, practical knowledge of CNC machining (mills, lathes, EDM) and thrives in a fast-paced, high-tolerance manufacturing setting. This is not a purely strategic role—this leader will be actively engaged on the floor, driving performance, mentoring teams, and continuously improving processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily plant operations with a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, ensuring output, quality, and efficiency targets are met 
• Direct oversight of machining operations including CNC mills, lathes, and EDM, ensuring optimal machine utilization and performance 
• Manage and develop a team of supervisors, leads, and machinists (50–100+ employees) 
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor, supporting setup, programming, and troubleshooting when needed 
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and process standardization 
• Partner closely with Engineering and Quality to ensure tight tolerance requirements and manufacturability of parts 
• Own production scheduling, workflow optimization, and labor planning to meet customer demand 
• Establish and reinforce shop floor accountability, KPIs, and standard work practices 
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and disciplined manufacturing environment 
• Support new product introductions and prototype builds with a strong understanding of machining constraints 
• Overseeing multiple departments withing the manufacturing space. 

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, with clear growth from hands-on machining into leadership 
• Strong CNC background required (setup, programming, and/or machining experience with mills, lathes, EDM) 
• Prior experience in roles such as Machine Shop Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Plant Manager 
• Proven ability to lead teams in a high-precision, tight-tolerance environment 
• Deep understanding of machining processes, tooling, fixturing, and production workflows 
• Experience driving continuous improvement on the shop floor (Lean, process optimization, etc.) 
• Comfortable being hands-on and highly visible in daily operations, not just managing from an office 
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to develop talent from within 
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred, but equivalent hands-on experience strongly valued

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:
This position is based in a manufacturing environment and may require the following over extended periods of time up to a full 8-hour work shift (excluding lunch and breaks): stand, walk, sit, squat or bend, kneel and rise, lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment weighing up to — and occasionally exceeding — 50 pounds, view a computer or other digital screen, work on a computer, workstation or comparable system, and make accurate entries in such systems. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills are required for detailed assembly and precision work. Work may take place in areas with varying temperatures or no climate control, varying noise levels, and production equipment in motion. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated areas at all times as required by company policy. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities but are always subject to safety concerns for the employee and all team members.  Employer may require a physical assessment of the candidate’s ability to perform these tasks as a condition of an offer letter.  Any assessment will be performed by a third party vendor and will be reported on a pass/fail basis with no other medical information conveyed to employer.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Gwynedd Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Note: This job description reflects general duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Management may modify or assign other responsibilities as needed.