Fruehauf
Job Summary:
The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall management of plant operations, driving results in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and employee engagement. This hands-on leadership role requires strong manufacturing expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key
Responsibilities:
• Manage all plant functions and daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficient use of manpower, equipment, materials, and capital.
• Plan, organize, and direct manufacturing activities to achieve operational goals, KPIs, and maximize return on assets.
• Implement manufacturing strategies and action plans aligned with Fruehauf's strategic initiatives.
• Lead and develop department leaders in production, quality, safety, maintenance, and materials.
• Set and monitor performance standards and establish accountability at all levels.
• Strategically balance labor to meet production demands while maintaining efficiency targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including HR, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to coordinate plant activities.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to support employees, address issues, and ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain high safety standards through proactive leadership, training, and improvement of safety practices.
• Assure that product quality exceeds customer expectations and that production meets schedule requirements.
• Encourage fact-based problem-solving and innovation across all departments.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory standards.
• Stay current with industry trends and manufacturing best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 (especially in manufacturing and operations modules)
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S methodology
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and bills of materials (BOMs)
• Strong leadership and team development skills with proven success managing large teams
• Excellent project management, time management, and organizational abilities
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) and strong collaboration across departments
• Goal-oriented with a track record of meeting or exceeding performance targets
• Experience in heavy equipment manufacturing and sheet metal/fiberglass processes
• Understanding of time studies, labor optimization, and production flow scheduling
• Proven safety leadership and implementation of best safety practices
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Extended periods of standing and walking on concrete surfaces, up to and beyond 9 hours per day
• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours based on production needs
• Regular exposure to noise, heat, and other conditions common in manufacturing environments
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, head, hearing, hand, and foot protection
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds occasionally
• Ability to maneuver and position large parts and assemblies as needed
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
• Bachelors degree required or 5 years of related work experience at this management level.
• Continuing education in related fields as needed is favored.
The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall management of plant operations, driving results in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and employee engagement. This hands-on leadership role requires strong manufacturing expertise, strategic thinking, and a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key
Responsibilities:
• Manage all plant functions and daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficient use of manpower, equipment, materials, and capital.
• Plan, organize, and direct manufacturing activities to achieve operational goals, KPIs, and maximize return on assets.
• Implement manufacturing strategies and action plans aligned with Fruehauf's strategic initiatives.
• Lead and develop department leaders in production, quality, safety, maintenance, and materials.
• Set and monitor performance standards and establish accountability at all levels.
• Strategically balance labor to meet production demands while maintaining efficiency targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including HR, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to coordinate plant activities.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to support employees, address issues, and ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain high safety standards through proactive leadership, training, and improvement of safety practices.
• Assure that product quality exceeds customer expectations and that production meets schedule requirements.
• Encourage fact-based problem-solving and innovation across all departments.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory standards.
• Stay current with industry trends and manufacturing best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 (especially in manufacturing and operations modules)
• Strong working knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 5S methodology
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and bills of materials (BOMs)
• Strong leadership and team development skills with proven success managing large teams
• Excellent project management, time management, and organizational abilities
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal) and strong collaboration across departments
• Goal-oriented with a track record of meeting or exceeding performance targets
• Experience in heavy equipment manufacturing and sheet metal/fiberglass processes
• Understanding of time studies, labor optimization, and production flow scheduling
• Proven safety leadership and implementation of best safety practices
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Extended periods of standing and walking on concrete surfaces, up to and beyond 9 hours per day
• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours based on production needs
• Regular exposure to noise, heat, and other conditions common in manufacturing environments
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye, head, hearing, hand, and foot protection
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds occasionally
• Ability to maneuver and position large parts and assemblies as needed
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
• Bachelors degree required or 5 years of related work experience at this management level.
• Continuing education in related fields as needed is favored.