Plant Manager; sheet metal, tubing, and wire

Pay: $200K+ annually ($160K-$175K base + 20% bonus), and full benefits.

Location
:
Onsite 5 days a week in Somerset, NJ

Client
:
Exceptionally successful national manufacturing brand

We are seeking a hands‑on, strategic manufacturing leader with deep experience in metal fabrication operations and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is an accountable and results‑driven professional who can lead teams, manage budgets, and drive operational efficiency in a fast‑paced production environment. This individual must possess strong leadership and employee development skills, along with a solid understanding of regulatory compliance and workplace standards.

We are looking for someone who thrives on problem‑solving, builds high‑performing teams, and consistently delivers operational excellence.

• Direct and oversee all daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, inventory, and shipping/receiving.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize costs, and ensure on‑time delivery.
• Establish, monitor, and analyze KPIs related to productivity, scrap rates, downtime, safety, and overall plant performance; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develop and manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and overall financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including workplace safety, wage and hour, anti‑discrimination, environmental, and employment regulations.
• Maintain and enforce safety policies and procedures in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Ensure compliance with customer, industry, and quality standards (e.g., ISO, if applicable).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop management staff, supervisors, and production personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure lawful hiring, discipline, termination, scheduling, wage payment, overtime compliance, and record‑keeping.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive workplace free from harassment and discrimination in accordance with applicable laws.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other departments to align plant operations with business objectives.
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring compliance with safety, insurance, and contractual requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably metal fabrication or metal processing.
• Strong knowledge of machining, welding, stamping, forming, and finishing operations.
• Working knowledge of NJ wage and hour compliance and workplace safety requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development experience.

• Experience in metal shop production.
• MBA or advanced technical degree.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification.
• Experience in unionized environments (if applicable).
• ERP/MRP system experience.

• Manufacturing facility environment with exposure to machinery, moving parts, noise, heat, and metal fabrication processes.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Regular presence on production floor required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to inspect machinery and manufactured components.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided consistent with applicable law.

Location:

Somerset, NJ

Job Type: Full‑time, Exempt, Monday to Friday, from 7am to 4pm with flexibility to work additional hours beyond the standard workweek, as needed, to meet operational demands and business objectives.

• Company Paid Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurances
• Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life Insurance, Legal Shield, and more)