Plant Manager

Join Federal Tool & Engineering: Lead with Precision, Build with Purpose

Are you a process-driven leader who thrives on turning goals into results? At Federal Tool & Engineering, we’re searching for a Plant Manager who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, get out on the floor, and work side-by-side with their team to achieve operational excellence.

In this role, you’ll drive performance by setting clear KPIs, developing SMART goals, and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. You’ll lead by example—guiding production supervisors and maintenance staff, optimizing plant operations, and ensuring quality and on-time delivery standards are met.

With more than 100 years of expertise in metal stamping, tool & die design, and precision machining, we are proud to shape the future of American manufacturing. If you are goal-oriented, hands-on, and ready to scale operations to meet our ambitious growth vision, we invite you to bring your leadership to Federal Tool & Engineering.

Veterans and transitioning service members are encouraged to apply. Veteran friendly.

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Plant Manager oversees all day-to-day plant operations. This role is responsible for delivering operational excellence that supports the 3 years vision plan for revenue, on-time delivery, EBITDA, and safety compliance. The Plant Manager will lead Plant Operations as a department, directly supervising Production Supervisors and the Plant Maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead

- Directly supervise the plant staff and oversee daily plant operations to meet production objectives.

- Build camaraderie, team building, and esprit de corps through by working alongside the production/floor by daily interactions

- Prioritize, schedule, and delegate work assignments to ensure cost-effective, on-time delivery of quality products.

- Actively participate in Operations, Strategic Planning, Budget, and Management Review Meetings.

- Fill in as Operations Manager in their absence.

- Create SMART Goals and KPIs to support strategic business objectives.

Manage

- Establishment and execution of production schedule using scheduling system/methodology. Develop plans for optimal use of materials, machines, and personnel.

- Ensure equipment and facility systems are maintained to support continuous production.

- Oversee maintenance inventory and building upkeep.

- Recommend and implement facility improvements and capital equipment needs.

- Oversee sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction and recycling.

- Enforce company policies, safety protocols, and housekeeping standards.

- Collaborate with HR and Safety Coordinator to develop policies and ensure regulatory compliance.

Accountability

- Review and analyze production costs, quality data, and performance metrics to improve efficiency and profitability.

- Modify production and inventory control systems as needed to support business goals.

- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, safety, and sanitation regulations.

- Provide reports on production, quality, maintenance, and budget compliance to the Director of Operations.

- Participate in crisis management planning and execution.

- Create, establish and track training and development plans of staff through completion of annual training, on-boarding, growth and development.

- Complete OSHA 30-hour General Industry Training.

Development

- Coach, counsel, and train Production Supervisors and staff to improve technical and leadership competencies.

- Evaluate and recommend improvements to manufacturing methods and quality processes.

- Schedule and coordinate production flow to meet customer deadlines and delivery requirements.

- Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises Production Supervisors and Plant Maintenance. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications

Proven ability to lead plant operations in a manufacturing environment targeting operational scale, efficiency, and safety. The ideal candidate will demonstrate measurable success improving throughput, quality, and safety performance in alignment with strategic goals.

Education and Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred

- Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible manufacturing leadership experience

- At least 3 years in a plant-level operations or production management role

- Prior experience leading continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives

- Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems, scheduling software, and production KPIs

- OSHA 30 General Industry Certification (or willingness to complete within onboarding period)

Skills

- Strong leadership, coaching, and interpersonal communication skills.

- Skilled in production planning, performance management, and cross-department collaboration.

- Financial acumen: cost tracking, budget planning, and operational efficiency.

- Proficiency in troubleshooting and solving production and maintenance issues.

- Data-driven approach to decision making and continuous improvement.

- Solid understanding of workplace safety practices, OSHA standards, and compliance.

Physical Demands

Wear required safety equipment when on shop floor. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Other

Federal Tool & Engineering is an alcohol and drug free workplace. All temporary and permanent new hires are subject to both physical and drug testing. Typical work hours may vary and the potential for overtime is possible and may be mandatory. Depending on workload, you may be required to work flexible hours or work on a different shift. Additionally, work requirements will vary, and you must be prepared to perform a variety of tasks as needed to service the needs of our customers. Federal Tool & Engineering is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Tuition reimbursement

- Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

- What ERP/MRP systems are you familiar or have used in the past?

- What continuous improvement or manufacturing initiatives have you lead measured?

- Are you willing to provide references?

Experience:

- Plant management: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person