Plant Manager – Fasteners in Gießen

• Cascade strategic objectives, KPIs, and leadership messages to site personnel
• Set expectations for direct and matrixed reports
• Plan and implement regular communications plans
• Mentor, coach, and engage the team; provide performance feedback
• Manage support-function and legal stakeholders
• Drive employee engagement, development, recognition, workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development
• Address complex employee-relations issues with HR, Legal, and union representatives
• Implement Lean principles and a lean management system across plant functions
• Own the plant P&L and understand the full P&L
• Own environmental, health, safety, and facilities management for the site
• Drive Quality and Continuous Improvement initiatives and share best practices
• Measure transformational activities including productivity, inventory, Lean, people, and communications
• Conduct GEMBA walks and lead daily performance and accountability meetings
• Partner with centers of excellence and manufacturing engineers on automation, technology, and process improvements
• Drive leader standard work for inventory, safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and Lean
• Set and monitor product standards; develop corrective actions and resolve customer chargebacks
• Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance, modifications, and capital assets
• Participate in S&OP/IBP, financial, quality, and safety review meetings
• Prepare and maintain production reports and records
• Manage manufacturing P&L, conversion cost, material productivity, budgets, expenditures, and resource efficiency
• Review production schedules and orders; coordinate inventory, staffing, work procedures, and duty assignments
• Coordinate with S&OP processes to balance supply and demand
• Implement production tracking and quality-control systems
• Analyze operational reports and resolve production problems with technical and administrative staff
• Support new product and process development
• Review and update the ProTrak system
• Perform other assigned duties

Requirements

• Bachelor's or university degree in engineering or another related technical discipline, or equivalent qualifying experience
• Excellent written and verbal leadership and communication skills
• Significant manufacturing management experience
• Deep understanding of manufacturing principles and production systems
• Effective budget management skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage, create, and develop strong teams
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with multiple priorities
• Prior experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and corporate safety initiatives
• Proficiency with recognized quality systems such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or AS9100
• Computer skills using HR, QA, Safety, ERP, and other information systems
• Knowledge of manufacturing, quality, and safety practices
• Prior experience with Lean Manufacturing principles
• Prior experience working in matrix structures
• Preferred: prior roles as Operations Manager, Engineering Manager, Supply Chain leader, and/or Quality leader in manufacturing
• Preferred: 8+ years of manufacturing management experience
• Preferred: MBA or other advanced degree
• Preferred: experience with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) strategies
• Preferred: experience in metals and/or plastics manufacturing
• Preferred: experience in distribution and logistics management
• Preferred: Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
• Preferred: direct experience implementing a Lean manufacturing or Lean enterprise culture

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in manufacturing management, Lean principles, and P&L ownership while effectively leading teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Proficient in managing complex employee relations and implementing quality systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Lean Manufacturing
• P&L Management
• Employee Engagement
• Quality Systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100)

Hard Skills

• Lean Principles
• Six Sigma
• Budget Management
• Production Systems
• Quality Control Systems
• Operational Analysis
• GEMBA Walks
• S&OP Strategies
• Process Improvement
• Talent Development

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Communication
• Team Development
• Problem Solving
• Multi-tasking

Certifications & Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt
• Six Sigma Black Belt

Industry Keywords

• Manufacturing
• Employee Relations
• Continuous Improvement
• Safety Practices
• Matrix Management

Tools & Technologies

• ERP Systems
• ProTrak System
• HR Information Systems
• Quality Assurance Tools
• Safety Management Systems