Plant Manager

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the company to ensure alignment with strategic goals. This includes driving performance, managing teams across departments such as production, engineering, quality, and logistics, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. The role requires a strong leader with a balance of tactical execution and long-term vision.

Who is the Savant Group?

The Savant Group is a consortium of internationally recognized companies located in Midland, Michigan, serving the lubrication, transportation, manufacturing, and energy industries. Our group of companies include Savant Labs, Tannas Company, King Refrigeration and Institute of Materials. We are unique to our industry as each company offers a different product or service while working together to provide our customers with the best, most innovative solutions to their problems.

The multidisciplinary expertise provided by the Savant Group companies enables customers to evaluate performance, monitor quality, perform R&D, and develop innovative solutions for the technical advancement of lubricants, fuels, and related fluids. Our companies continue to grow strong while remaining committed to providing an expanding line of products and services to an increasing customer base around the world.

Position Summary:

The Plant Manager is responsible for supporting and driving operational excellence in accordance with Savant Group Core Values. By managing and overseeing all day-to-day aspects of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality control, and supply chain management, this role will ensure products are manufactured to the highest quality standards, delivered on time, and that manufacturing processes are efficient, cost- effective, and scalable to support Savant Group’s continued growth. The Plant Manager will also work closely with the management team to develop and implement strategies that will drive growth of the company and achieve the desired production outcomes.

Typical Duties/Essential Job Functions:

· Provide direction and leadership and foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork across the Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, and Facilities departments in a manner that maintains and increases morale, skills, proficiencies, and productivity.

· Establish strategic direction, performance metrics, standards, and measurements for effectively managing performance of each functional department and manufacturing operations overall.

· Identify and respond to trends in the marketplace, anticipating and applying strategies to be ahead of the cost and quality curve.

· Oversee and manage the entire production process - from the procurement of raw materials to finished products - to ensure that quality standards are met, and products are delivered on time and within budget.

· Plan and execute a best-in-class supply chain to ensure on-time delivery of materials, appropriate levels of inventory and turns, optimal supplier quality, and minimized cost.

· Monitor and analyze production data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential bottlenecks in the production process.

· Accountable for developing and implementing policies and procedures that enable the organization to maintain and enhance its competitive stance and profitability of its operations.

· Oversee and ensure all production and quality equipment is maintained, serviced, and calibrated to the required standards.

· Continuously model safe working habits; actively participate in ensuring a safe, clean, and orderly work environment; advise and coach where necessary, and ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations and standards.

· Support excellent customer service by aligning production processes with customer service needs.

· Utilize data from the ERP system and other sources to create communication and decision-making tools that drive operational performance, customer focus, and a sense of urgency.

· Effectively manage the operations budget by practicing solid fiscal responsibility.

· Support the sales & operations (S&OP) process by planning manufacturing capacity that ensures on time and efficient product delivery and cost-effective management of inventory levels.

· Work with the technical team on new products to ensure design for manufacture.

· Participate in the development and execution of business plans based on company objectives.

· Actively participate in hiring, training, and development of department managers and respective staff as required.

· Conduct timely and constructive performance evaluations focused on developing skills and proficiencies.

· Work with President and Human Resources to develop succession plans and implement necessary training.

· Project a positive image of the organization to employees, customers, industry, and community.

· Protect the organization’s value by keeping information confidential and by complying with all policies, procedures, and work instructions for this position.

· Perform cross-functional ad hoc analysis and lead special projects as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

· Manage Manufacturing, Sourcing, Quality, and Facilities managers and their respective staff.

Requirements (Indicate “required” and “desired”):

Education and Experience Qualifications:

· BS/BA in Engineering, Business Management or related field.

· Minimum ten years previous operations, service, project management and/or business development experience with progressively more responsibility and a track record of results.

· Strong leadership skills and experience managing teams in a dynamic production environment.

· Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other production management methodologies.

· High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

· Experience with MRP/ERP.

· International and intercultural experience and sensitivity desired.

· Ability to travel, both domestic and international (~10-20%).

Skills and Competencies:

· Highly motivated and possess vision and enthusiasm.

· Strong mechanical acumen with the ability to keep it simple.

· Experience collaborating as part of a leadership team, with an acute understanding of business strategy, performance execution, and the ability to exhibit and maintain company Core Values.

· Superior managerial, leadership and diplomacy skills; willing to consider other points of view.

· Communicate in an open and honest way that quickly builds trust and respect.

· Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to manage multiple assignments, set priorities, and drive to exceed targets.

· Strong analytical, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills.

· Excellent organization skills with attention to detail.

· Self-motivated, self-starter with high energy and capable of personal goal setting, time management and remaining flexible to changing work priorities.

· Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions while following company practices with the ability to make timely decisions and exhibit sound and accurate judgment.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits:

Aside from the fringe benefits or your compensation, the Savant Group takes employee satisfaction above and beyond. In addition to your fringe benefits, you will also get the following benefits by joining the Savant Group:

The Savant Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and or local laws.