Processing Plant Manager Jobs in Springfield, MA

The Manufacturing Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of plant operations to ensure safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance goals are achieved. This position provides strategic and hands-on leadership for manufacturing, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The Plant Manager develops and maintains a culture focused on employee engagement, operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead all daily manufacturing operations including production, maintenance, quality, shipping, receiving, and inventory control.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Drive operational performance to meet or exceed production, efficiency, scrap, downtime, and cost objectives.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve plant efficiency, quality, and profitability.
• Manage plant budgets, labor costs, capital expenditures, and operational expenses.
• Collaborate with engineering, supply chain, human resources, quality, and customer service departments to support business objectives.
• Lead workforce planning, employee development, succession planning, and performance management activities.
• Foster a positive employee relations environment focused on accountability, communication, teamwork, and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Oversee production scheduling and resource allocation to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Manage corrective actions and root cause analysis related to quality, safety, or operational issues.
• Lead plant meetings and communicate operational goals, performance results, and company initiatives.
• Support new product launches, equipment installations, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and best operational practices.
• Serve as the primary leader during audits, inspections, and customer visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of plant management or leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, quality systems, maintenance, and supply chain operations.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or continuous improvement programs.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational performance improvements.
• Strong financial and business acumen including budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and manage multiple priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk throughout the manufacturing facility for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, heat, and varying temperatures.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. This position is onsite only and does not offer remote work options. 

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)