Job Description
Summary:
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on 2nd Shift Plant Manager to report directly to the Director of Operations and lead the launch and day-to-day execution of our second shift at the Elkhart, IN facility. (3pm – 11:30pm) Mon – Fri. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, labor-intensive manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate is a respected and trusted leader with prior plant superintendent experience, who enjoys building and running a high-performing team from the ground up. You must be calm under pressure, have a true presence on the floor, and be committed to hitting daily production numbers while maintaining a strong culture of safety and quality.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all aspects of the 2nd shift operations to meet safety, quality, and production goals.
- Spend at least 70% of the time on the production floor, supporting the team through real-time coaching, troubleshooting, and workflow optimization.
- Ensure a seamless handoff from the first shift and align resources (labor, materials, equipment) with production needs.
- Use Lean manufacturing principles (5S, kaizen, SMED, etc.) to drive continuous improvement and eliminate inefficiencies.
- Monitor KPIs daily and implement corrective actions as needed to sustain operational excellence.
- Promote a culture of safety, cleanliness, and accountability across all areas of the shift.
- Maintain and manage performance reviews, training documentation, safety logs, and disciplinary actions.
- Function as a change agent in this startup shift, providing stability and direction through strong leadership and communication.
- React quickly and calmly to production challenges and equipment or labor disruptions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align with company-wide operational objectives.
Qualifications:
At least 5+ years as a Plant Manager, Superintendent or senior manufacturing leadership role. Prior experience launching or managing a second shift is highly preferrable. Expertise in lean principles and the strategic and tactical application of appropriate tools – demonstrated ability to use and effectively instruct in the proper use of lean principles such as value stream mapping, kaizen, 5S, poka-yoke, heijunka, SMED, etc. Other attributes include:
- Persuasive communication and people skills at all levels of the organization.
- Familiarity with ERP systems (JD Edwards a plus) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Calm, decisive, and effective under pressure with a hands-on leadership style.
- Bilingual in Spanish helpful, but not required.
Job Tags
Work at office, All shifts, Shift work, Afternoon shift,