Hotrun
Plant Manager
About the role
As Plant Manager, you will lead and oversee all operations of this north west Chicago manufacturing facility, specializing in blow molding of larger plastic items. This pivotal role requires a hands-on leader who can implement and sustain effective systems to replace outdated tribal knowledge, manage a diverse team including supervisors, maintenance, quality, and engineering staff, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, maintaining high profit margins, and supporting the company's growth strategy under private equity ownership.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a well-established plant transitioning from a mom-and-pop operation to a modern factory environment, with a clear path for career advancement within the organization.
What you'll be doing Lead and oversee daily operations of a manufacturing plant specializing in blow molding of larger plastic items, ensuring efficient production and quality standards. Manage a diverse team including supervisors, maintenance managers, processing leads, quality personnel, and continuous improvement staff to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Develop and implement robust systems and processes to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, supporting sustainable growth and operational excellence. Collaborate closely with senior leadership on capacity planning, cost management, and P&L responsibilities to optimize financial performance. Drive the cultural shift towards people-focused leadership, mentoring supervisors and staff to enhance team engagement and productivity. Support integration and operational alignment of recent and upcoming acquisitions, incorporating new tools and processes into the plant's workflow. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards while maintaining strong relationships with key customers and suppliers. What we're looking for
Proven experience in blow molding processes, preferably with larger items rather than bottles, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical and operational aspects of blow molding manufacturing. Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage and develop a diverse team, including supervisors, maintenance managers, quality personnel, and continuous improvement staff, fostering a collaborative and people-focused culture. A strategic mindset focused on implementing and sustaining manufacturing systems to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, ensuring operational consistency and scalability. Competence in financial oversight, including familiarity with P&L responsibilities, cost management, and capacity planning to optimize production efficiency and profitability. A forward-thinking attitude with a desire for career growth, ideally someone with enough runway to potentially succeed the current leadership within five years, demonstrating eagerness and the drive to prove themselves in a plant management role. What you'll need
Proven experience in
blow molding
manufacturing, preferably with larger items rather than bottles, demonstrating a strong understanding of blow molding techniques and processes. Leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing and developing teams, including supervisors and direct reports across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement functions. Ability to implement and sustain manufacturing systems to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, ensuring operational consistency and scalability. Some experience with P&L management and cost control, with a focus on operational efficiency and financial awareness. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to mesh well with existing teams and foster a positive, people-focused culture. Willingness to engage in multi-site oversight and collaborate with corporate leadership while being based at the, Chicago location. A forward-looking mindset with the potential and desire to grow into higher leadership roles, ideally with a runway of several years to eventually succeed the current leadership. Flexibility to consider candidates who may be newer to plant management but demonstrate eagerness, leadership potential, and a commitment to learning and growth. Ability to work within a private equity-owned environment focused on growth, acquisitions, and operational excellence. Willingness to relocate if necessary, with relocation support available for the right candidate. What is offered
Comprehensive benefits package including medical (HMO), dental, and vision coverage generous vacation, negotiable based on candidate experience and needs Opportunity to lead a growing manufacturing facility transitioning from a mom-and-pop to private equity ownership, with a clear path for career advancement Work in a stable industry with exclusive products protected by patents and a strong market presence Supportive environment focused on leadership development and implementing sustainable systems Relocation assistance available for the right candidate to join a well-established team near Chicago's west side Chance to make a significant impact in a company poised for growth through acquisitions and expansion initiatives
Click here to apply online
About the role
As Plant Manager, you will lead and oversee all operations of this north west Chicago manufacturing facility, specializing in blow molding of larger plastic items. This pivotal role requires a hands-on leader who can implement and sustain effective systems to replace outdated tribal knowledge, manage a diverse team including supervisors, maintenance, quality, and engineering staff, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. You will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, maintaining high profit margins, and supporting the company's growth strategy under private equity ownership.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a well-established plant transitioning from a mom-and-pop operation to a modern factory environment, with a clear path for career advancement within the organization.
What you'll be doing Lead and oversee daily operations of a manufacturing plant specializing in blow molding of larger plastic items, ensuring efficient production and quality standards. Manage a diverse team including supervisors, maintenance managers, processing leads, quality personnel, and continuous improvement staff to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment. Develop and implement robust systems and processes to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, supporting sustainable growth and operational excellence. Collaborate closely with senior leadership on capacity planning, cost management, and P&L responsibilities to optimize financial performance. Drive the cultural shift towards people-focused leadership, mentoring supervisors and staff to enhance team engagement and productivity. Support integration and operational alignment of recent and upcoming acquisitions, incorporating new tools and processes into the plant's workflow. Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards while maintaining strong relationships with key customers and suppliers. What we're looking for
Proven experience in blow molding processes, preferably with larger items rather than bottles, demonstrating a deep understanding of the technical and operational aspects of blow molding manufacturing. Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage and develop a diverse team, including supervisors, maintenance managers, quality personnel, and continuous improvement staff, fostering a collaborative and people-focused culture. A strategic mindset focused on implementing and sustaining manufacturing systems to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, ensuring operational consistency and scalability. Competence in financial oversight, including familiarity with P&L responsibilities, cost management, and capacity planning to optimize production efficiency and profitability. A forward-thinking attitude with a desire for career growth, ideally someone with enough runway to potentially succeed the current leadership within five years, demonstrating eagerness and the drive to prove themselves in a plant management role. What you'll need
Proven experience in
blow molding
manufacturing, preferably with larger items rather than bottles, demonstrating a strong understanding of blow molding techniques and processes. Leadership skills with a track record of effectively managing and developing teams, including supervisors and direct reports across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement functions. Ability to implement and sustain manufacturing systems to replace reliance on tribal knowledge, ensuring operational consistency and scalability. Some experience with P&L management and cost control, with a focus on operational efficiency and financial awareness. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to mesh well with existing teams and foster a positive, people-focused culture. Willingness to engage in multi-site oversight and collaborate with corporate leadership while being based at the, Chicago location. A forward-looking mindset with the potential and desire to grow into higher leadership roles, ideally with a runway of several years to eventually succeed the current leadership. Flexibility to consider candidates who may be newer to plant management but demonstrate eagerness, leadership potential, and a commitment to learning and growth. Ability to work within a private equity-owned environment focused on growth, acquisitions, and operational excellence. Willingness to relocate if necessary, with relocation support available for the right candidate. What is offered
Comprehensive benefits package including medical (HMO), dental, and vision coverage generous vacation, negotiable based on candidate experience and needs Opportunity to lead a growing manufacturing facility transitioning from a mom-and-pop to private equity ownership, with a clear path for career advancement Work in a stable industry with exclusive products protected by patents and a strong market presence Supportive environment focused on leadership development and implementing sustainable systems Relocation assistance available for the right candidate to join a well-established team near Chicago's west side Chance to make a significant impact in a company poised for growth through acquisitions and expansion initiatives
Click here to apply online