Plant Manager

Work Schedule: Full-time, primarily day shift, with availability across shifts and during critical launch activities.
Location: On-site in the U.S. Mid-South. Final location to be confirmed.
Target Start Date: Early 2028. Earlier participation in project preparation will be planned with the selected candidate, taking current responsibilities into account
Who Are We?With over 50 years of experience, Exo-s specializes in the design and manufacturing of functional plastic systems, particularly through its expertise in injection molding and blow molding.
With operations in Canada, the United States, and Mexico, our team of over 900 employees brings together expertise, creativity, and teamwork to contribute to innovative and exciting projects.
At Exo-s, we believe that combining our expertise, working together, and finding new ways of doing things allows us to overcome challenges and make a difference.
Purpose of the PositionThe Plant Manager will contribute operational expertise to the multidisciplinary team preparing a new manufacturing facility, then lead its operational readiness, production ramp-up, and ongoing operations. The role combines operational leadership, financial accountability, team development, and collaboration with the project team and corporate functions. The Plant Manager will be responsible for:
New plant preparation and launch
Contribute operational expertise and recommendations to the multidisciplinary project team preparing the new plant.
Work with Quality, Engineering, Program Management, and other relevant departments to prepare the plant for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), pilot builds, process validation, and run-at-rate trials.
Lead plant operations through initial production and the subsequent ramp-up and stabilization, ensuring alignment of staffing, capacity, quality, deliveries, and operating costs.
People Leadership and Organizational Development
Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a strong management team and workforce through HR;
develop succession plans and technical expertise in injection molding and blow molding.
Create a respectful, collaborative work environment based on our Exo-s values;
maintain constructive employee and labor relations and apply HR policies consistently.
Set clear objectives, lead performance reviews and daily management routines, and foster accountability, engagement, and employee participation in improvement efforts.
Lead change through clear communication and visible leadership on the shop floor.
Operational and Financial Performance
Lead production, quality, maintenance, process engineering, HR, and logistics;
works closely with various corporate functions, such as Finance, IT, Engineering and other support functions within the approved organization.
Develop and review the plant operating plan, budgets, forecasts, capital needs, and annual cost-reduction program;
achieve approved EBITDAand operating performance objectives.
Improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), direct labor productivity, yield, changeover time, delivery performance, and inventory accuracy;
reduce scrap, downtime,premium freight, and avoidable costs.
Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives, equipment reliability, and spare-parts practices that support safe and stable production.
Support Sales, Engineering, Program Management, and corporate R&D on feasibility, product development, pre-production, and business growth.
Contribute to Exo-s manufacturing strategy, automation, and technology deployment;
share effective practices across sites.
Quality and environmental management systems
Promote customer focus throughout the organization and ensure that teams understand customer requirements.
Ensure that the quality management system conforms to applicable ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 requirements and relevant customer-specific requirements.
Ensure that the integrity of the quality management system is maintained when changes to the system are planned and implemented.
Set quality objectives and ensure that related responsibilities and training are established and followed.
Ensure that the environmental management system conforms to applicable ISO 14001 requirements.
Report the performance of the environmental management system, including environmental performance, to top management.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
Build a culture of prevention starting at the project stage;
ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental requirements and company standards.
Work with EHS specialists to ensure that risk assessments, machine safeguards, hazardous energy control, emergency preparedness, training, and required permits are addressed before the affected activities begin.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or industrial engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including significant senior-level responsibility for plant or operations management and the leadership of managers.
Experience in automotive manufacturing, with demonstrated responsibility for customer requirements, operating budgets, and cross-functional performance.
Strong understanding of injection molding operations and the ability to lead both injection molding and blow molding teams, including technical specialists.
Working knowledge of IATF 16949 requirements and the ability to deploy them within plant operations;
knowledge of APQP, PPAP, control plans, FMEA, SPC, and MSA.
Why Work at Exo-sWorking at Exo-s means being part of a team where we support one another, share ideas, and take on challenges together. This role offers the opportunity to shape a new plant, build its team and working culture, and help establish its long-term performance.
A major operational leadership mandate with direct involvement in a new facility.
Collaboration and knowledge sharing with colleagues in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Opportunities to develop people, apply new technologies, and contribute to Exo-s growth.
A workplace that values teamwork, entrepreneurial initiative, trust, balance and fun!
Selection approachWhere candidates demonstrate equivalent qualifications and competencies, preference will be given to a candidate already based in the local area of the future plant. This preference concerns geographic proximity to the site.
Any earlier project involvement will be agreed with the selected candidate. For an internal candidate, the plan will also involve the current manager and HR to support succession, continuity, and a progressive transition. Where cross-border mobility is involved, the required immigration process will need to be completed.
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