Lot Operations Manager Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

About Company:

About Tarter

Since 1945, Tarter has been building more than gates and equipment—we’ve been building careers, communities, and a proud legacy of American manufacturing. As the largest manufacturer of farm gates and animal management equipment in North America, our products help farmers, ranchers, hobbyist, and property owners work smarter and safer every day.

Headquartered in Dunnville, Kentucky, we pair small-town values with big opportunities. At Tarter, your ideas matter, your work is valued, and what you do makes a real impact for customers across the country.

Whether you’re on the shop floor, supporting customers, engineering solutions, or leading teams, you’ll find a workplace grounded in integrity, innovation, and teamwork. We believe in doing things the right way—and taking pride in work well done.

Join us and help shape the future of American manufacturing.

About the Role:

The Plant Manager - Load Lot is responsible for overseeing all operations within the load lot facility to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality production output. This role requires strategic leadership to manage daily activities, optimize workflow, and maintain compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The Plant Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives and meet production targets. They will also be accountable for managing budgets, resources, and personnel to maximize operational efficiency and profitability. Ultimately, this position plays a critical role in sustaining the plant’s reputation for excellence and supporting the company’s overall business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant management or a similar leadership role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven track record of managing large teams and complex operations effectively.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations and compliance requirements in an industrial setting.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with load lot operations or related logistics and distribution processes.
• Proficiency in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and data analysis tools.
• Certification in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards or equivalent.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of load lot operations, including production scheduling, resource allocation, and quality control.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate plant staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous development.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to safety, environmental standards, and labor laws.
• Collaborate with maintenance, logistics, and supply chain teams to coordinate equipment upkeep and material flow.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare detailed reports for senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using lean manufacturing principles and other best practices.
• Manage plant budgets, control expenses, and optimize resource utilization to meet financial goals.

Skills:

The Plant Manager will utilize leadership and communication skills daily to effectively manage and motivate a diverse team, ensuring alignment with operational goals. Analytical skills are essential for interpreting production data, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing process improvements. Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance is applied continuously to maintain a safe working environment and avoid regulatory issues. Technical skills, including familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing technologies, support efficient resource management and reporting. Additionally, problem-solving abilities enable the manager to address operational challenges proactively and drive sustainable improvements.