Manufacturing Plant Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Position: Plant Manager

Position Status: Salary, Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday; standard business hours; additional hours, weekends, and travel as needed

Reports To: SVP Operations

Location: De Pere location

Are you ready to join an organization where you are able to make a significant daily impact? An organization where you will be a major contributor to the growth and strength of our organization? Where you will be contributing to the betterment of the environment and our communities? Then FyterTech is the place for you to make your next and best career move.

FyterTech Nonwovens is a market-leading materials manufacturer of nonwoven high-tech products that are used in a variety of settings. Applications include cleaning up the spills one could expect to see in hospitals, laboratories, oil spills and grocery stores – just to name a few. As a market leader in our industry, we are looking for someone with a competitive edge to help drive a can-do collaborative culture.

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the manufacturing facility. This role oversees all plant operations including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Plant Manager ensures efficient and cost-effective operations while maintaining the highest standards of safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

1. Lead and reinforce FyterTech policies, safety standards, and operational procedures; ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
2. Direct all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and logistics to achieve business objectives.
3. Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.
4. Develop and execute operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce waste, and optimize costs.
5. Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as OEE, OTIF, scrap rates, labor efficiency, and downtime.
6. Oversee production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand and delivery commitments.
7. Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to support process improvements, new product development, and equipment upgrades.
8. Lead and develop plant leadership team, including supervisors and department managers.
9. Ensure proper staffing, training, and performance management systems are in place.
10. Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing team environment.
11. Manage plant budget, including labor, materials, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
12. Identify and implement cost‑saving initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety.
13. Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.
14. Ensure compliance with quality standards and support internal/external audits.
15. Communicate operational performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
16. Partner with supply chain, sales, and customer service teams to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction.
17. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for operational issues.
18. Represent the organization with customers, vendors, and regulatory agencies as needed.
19. Participate in hiring decisions and provide feedback on team performance and development.
20. Promote and support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

1. Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2. 7–10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in nonwovens, textiles, or related industries.
3. Proven experience managing plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality.
4. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., extrusion, bonding, converting, or similar).
5. Demonstrated success in driving operational improvements and cost reductions.
6. Strong leadership and team development skills.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
9. Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
10. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
11. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
12. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
13. High level of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments. Requires frequent time on the production floor. Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and manufacturing conditions. May require standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Travel between facilities and occasional overnight travel may be required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

It is the policy of FyterTech to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy/childbirth, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or perceived disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran, or military status, marital or domestic partner status, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws.