Manufacturing Plant Manager

About the Role

MAXAM is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead our detonator manufacturing facility. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving safety, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and profitability in a highly regulated, high-hazard environment.

You will oversee all plant operations, lead cross-functional teams, and serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, customers, and corporate leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Safety, Security & Compliance

- Champion a zero-incident safety culture and enforce strict explosives safety protocols

- Ensure full compliance with regulatory bodies (ATF, MSHA, OSHA, DOT, EPA, and local authorities)

- Lead emergency response planning, site security, and risk management initiatives

- Oversee safe handling, storage, manufacturing, and transportation of explosive components

- Conduct incident investigations and implement corrective actions

Operations & Production Management

- Lead all aspects of plant operations including production, maintenance, engineering, and logistics

- Deliver production targets safely, on time, and within budget

- Optimize processes to improve efficiency, yield, and reliability

- Manage shutdowns, maintenance schedules, and capital projects

Quality & Continuous Improvement

- Ensure adherence to quality systems and customer specifications

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies

- Monitor and improve KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity

Financial & Business Management

- Develop and manage the site operating budget

- Control costs, improve margins, and support overall profitability

- Prepare operational reports for senior leadership

- Support audits and customer site visits

Leadership & Workforce Development

- Lead, coach, and develop both leadership teams and frontline workforce

- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and performance

- Support labor relations (union or non-union environment)

- Drive training, competency development, and succession planning

Stakeholder & External Relations

- Act as the primary contact for regulatory agencies and inspections

- Collaborate with corporate teams (EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, HR, Engineering)

- Support customer audits and technical requirements

Qualifications:

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Chemistry, or related field

- MBA or Master’s degree considered an asset

Experience

- 8–12+ years of manufacturing leadership experience - 5+ years in a senior plant or operations leadership role

- Experience in explosives, chemical, ammunition, or other high-hazard industries strongly preferred

- Proven track record managing regulatory compliance and audits

Skills & Competencies

- Strong understanding of explosives safety and regulatory frameworks

- Solid financial and operational acumen

- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams

- Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives

- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills

- Strong crisis management and problem-solving abilities

Work Environment

- Regulated explosives manufacturing environment

- Required use of PPE

- May include extended hours, on-call responsibilities, and emergency response

- Limited exposure to explosives handling areas (based on role requirements and licensing)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

- Safety performance (incident rates, near-miss reporting)

- Production efficiency and on-time delivery

- Cost control and budget adherence

- Quality metrics and customer satisfaction

- Employee engagement and retention

Why Join MAXAM?

About Maxam

At MAXAM we work to offer our clients throughout the world a wide range of products and full technical support to respond to their most specific needs. Since its founding in 1872 by Alfred Nobel, MAXAM has grown by leaps and bounds. We are a global leading company in civil explosives, defense, nitro chemical and hunting cartridges, with 6,500 employees worldwide, in 45 countries. A lot has changed since Alfred Nobel started the business, but some things haven't: the dedication to our people to achieve excellence in what we do.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person