Plant Manager โ Heavy CNC Machining Operations
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Primary Purpose of the Position
The Plant Manager is responsible for leading large-scale CNC machining and fabrication operations with direct oversight of heavy horizontal and vertical boring mills, CNC lathes, and multi-axis machining centers, including Haas and Okuma equipment. This role drives safety, quality, throughput, and profitability while ensuring optimal machine utilization, disciplined execution, and on-time delivery of complex machined components.
This leader blends deep technical CNC expertise with strong operational leadership to maximize spindle uptime, improve cycle efficiencies, control costs, and develop high-performing machining teams.
Essential Functions / Duties
CNC Operations Leadership
- Provide direct oversight of heavy CNC machining operations including horizontal/vertical bore mills and large-capacity CNC lathes (Haas and Okuma platforms).
- Optimize machine scheduling, setup reduction, tool management, and spindle utilization.
- Ensure programs, setups, and machining processes align with engineering drawings and customer specifications.
- Partner with programming teams to improve cycle times, tooling strategies, and machining methods.
Production & Performance Management
- Manage daily production flow to meet POC schedules and delivery commitments.
- Monitor machine efficiency, scrap rates, rework, and downtime; implement corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, cost control, and margin performance.
- Analyze actual vs. estimated machining hours and implement recovery strategies where needed.
Team Development & Accountability
- Lead machinists, programmers, setup technicians, and support staff.
- Train and mentor teams on advanced machining techniques, precision tolerances, and equipment capabilities.
- Establish clear productivity standards and performance metrics.
- Foster a culture of ownership, craftsmanship, and accountability.
Plant & Equipment Readiness
- Ensure preventive and predictive maintenance programs are in place for all CNC equipment.
- Coordinate major repairs, rebuilds, and capital upgrades.
- Identify and justify capital investments in machining technology that improve capacity and ROI.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce strict adherence to OSHA, company safety procedures, and machining best practices.
- Promote a culture of safe rigging, heavy lifting, and machine operation.
Operational Agility
- Adjust labor and machine allocation in real time to address production challenges.
- Serve as escalation point for machining-related technical issues and troubleshooting.
Requirements & Qualifications
- 10+ years of hands-on heavy CNC machining experience.
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a heavy machining environment.
- Demonstrated expertise operating and managing Haas and Okuma CNC horizontal and vertical boring mills and large CNC lathes.
- Strong understanding of G-code, CNC programming logic, tooling systems, and precision machining practices.
- Experience managing high-mix, large-component machining operations.
- Proven success improving machine utilization, reducing downtime, and increasing productivity.
- Experience in heavy fabrication or AISC-related industries preferred.
- Strong financial acumen with ability to manage labor and operational budgets.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and production tracking systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.