Plant Manager

Overview

Founded in 1967, Image

FIRST® is the largest and only national linen rental and laundry service specializing in the healthcare market. Acquired by private equity firm Calera Capital in 2018, Image

FIRST serves medical facilities nationwide providing linen, patient gowns, scrubs, and more while managing their clients’ linen inventory for cost management. As leaders in infection prevention, they currently own and operate the most HLAC-accredited facilities in the industry. With one of the highest customer retention rates in the industry – 97% – Image

FIRST is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction and making staff happy with our white glove service!

Check out our company page:

• The plant manager will ensure the overall management and supervision of daily operations at our location healthcare laundry facility, driving optimal efficiency, quality, safety standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of supervisors, maintenance staff, and operational employees to foster accountability, consistent execution, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily plant operations including production scheduling, labor forecasting, staffing, quality assurance, and equipment maintenance to ensure smooth, efficient, and cost-effective workflows.
• Ensure adherence to all regulations, including safety, environmental, quality, and legal standards to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.
• Drive process enhancements using continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
• Manage plant budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
• Drive inventory management to ensure consistent materials supply, collaborating with Procurement, Service, Logistics, and other teams as needed.
• Prepare regular reports for senior management on key performance metrics, including production goals, plant performance, and operational challenges.
• Manage talent recruitment, development, engagement, and succession planning at the plant level.
• Establish and manage third-party contractor relationships to ensure seamless daily plant operations.
• Partner with Service teams to ensure Customer Advocates and customers receive quality products in a timely manner.
• Able to travel to other company locations or supplier sites as needed (approximately 10–15% travel).

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or business administration.
• Experience:
  
  5–7 years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment, with a proven plant management track record.
• Strong end-to-end understanding of manufacturing management including safety, product delivery and quality, continuous improvement, regulations, maintenance and/or facilities, and compliance management.
• Operations management expertise (e.g., Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certifications).
• Robust problem-solving, strategic thinking, and root-cause analysis skills for people management and process deviations.
• Financial management experience including P&L, payroll, budgeting, and cost control at the plant level.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Word, Adobe, and ERP systems.
• Initiative-driven, action-oriented, with strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, time management, and communication skills to lead diverse teams.

• MBA is preferred; prior military experience is a plus.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• Familiarity with Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001/ISO 9001) and guidelines including OSHA and DOT.
• GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification.
• Experience with manufacturing software tools and reporting systems.

• Be Respectful:
  Value all we come in contact with.
• Be Remarkable:
  Create a positive moment with every interaction.
• Be Safe:
  Keep ourselves and those around us safe.
• Be Honest:
  Be guided by truthfulness in all we do.

• Weekly pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Pet, Legal, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• 401k (match)
• Paid Time Off Package
• Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Great company culture
• Collaborative team environment

EOE / Drug-Free Workplace

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are fueled by the talent, passion, and diversity of our associates.