Manufacturing Operations Associate Jobs in Covington, GA

A well-established global manufacturer is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead all aspects of operations at its U.S. manufacturing facility located in Georgia. Reporting directly to executive leadership, this position is responsible for driving operational excellence across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement while developing a high-performing, engaged workforce.

The Plant Manager will provide strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure the facility consistently meets safety, quality, delivery, and productivity objectives. This individual will also collaborate with international manufacturing operations to share best practices, support global initiatives, and drive standardized operational performance across multiple facilities.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a proven manufacturing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building strong teams, improving operational performance, and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all plant operations, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Warehouse, Shipping, and Safety.
• Foster a safety-first culture that emphasizes employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors and department leaders while building organizational capability and succession plans.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on improving productivity, quality, equipment reliability, and overall plant performance.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational goals are achieved.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, 6S, and continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and improve efficiencies.
• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to maximize equipment uptime through preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Ensure compliance with ISO quality standards, customer requirements, and all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Manage plant budgets, labor utilization, and operating costs while identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality teams to meet customer expectations and production commitments.
• Support capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and facility upgrades from planning through implementation.
• Work closely with international manufacturing locations to share best practices, support operational consistency, and drive global continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the plant during customer visits, audits, and executive reviews.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading manufacturing operations within industries such as textiles, chemicals, automotive, industrial products, polymers, or other process manufacturing environments preferred.
• Proven experience managing cross-functional teams, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Logistics.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, productivity, and overall plant performance.
• Experience managing manufacturing KPIs, operating budgets, and capital improvement projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees at all levels of the organization, from hourly associates to executive leadership.

• Experience supporting global manufacturing operations or working within a multi-site manufacturing organization.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems.
• Experience leading organizational change and driving a culture of continuous improvement.