Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Forest, MS

The Opportunity

Lead a team, shape a culture, and make a lasting impact. As Plant Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing operation where safety, quality, delivery, cost performance, and people development come together to drive success. This role is more than managing production—it is about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and creating an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to do their best work. As a visible and influential leader, you will help shape the future of the facility through continuous improvement, operational excellence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for customers. If you are passionate about leading people, solving complex challenges, and creating meaningful business impact, this is an opportunity to leave your mark on both the operation and the people who make it successful.

In this role, the Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and operational excellence of the manufacturing facility. This role drives a culture where safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development are integrated into daily operations and long-term business success. The Plant Manager provides strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure the site safely and consistently meets customer expectations, achieves operational objectives, develops high-performing teams, and fosters an engaged, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture.

The successful candidate is a visible leader who inspires trust, builds strong relationships, removes barriers to success, and creates an environment where employees can perform at their best while continuously improving processes, systems, and results.

What you'll do

Reporting directly to the VP of Operations, this position is accountable for:

Safety Leadership

• Champion a safety-first culture where every employee is empowered and expected to work safely.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and company safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Lead proactive safety initiatives that reduce risk, prevent injuries, and promote employee well-being.
• Review and analyze safety performance metrics, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct regular safety observations, audits, and site walks to reinforce expectations and demonstrate visible leadership.
• Partner with leaders and employees to investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Promote employee engagement in safety programs, training, and continuous improvement efforts.

Delivery & Operational Performance

• Ensure the facility consistently meets customer requirements for service, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Lead production planning and execution to achieve on-time delivery targets while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, and other functional teams to address constraints and improve flow.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive actions to improve productivity, throughput, and schedule attainment.
• Lead problem-solving efforts to minimize disruptions and improve operational reliability.
• Develop and execute strategies that enhance capacity, flexibility, and overall manufacturing performance.

Cost Management & Continuous Improvement

• Manage site financial performance and achieve budgeted operational objectives.
• Drive productivity improvements and waste reduction through lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and optimize resource utilization without compromising safety, quality, or customer service.
• Ensure effective management of labor, materials, inventory, maintenance, and operating expenses.
• Lead capital planning and investment initiatives that support growth, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
• Utilize data and operational metrics to make informed business decisions and prioritize improvement efforts.

People & Culture Leadership

• Create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, engaged, and connected to the organization's purpose and goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop leaders and team members to maximize performance and growth opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Build strong leadership capability throughout the organization through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
• Support workforce planning, recruiting, onboarding, retention, and employee development initiatives.
• Maintain positive employee relations and ensure fair, consistent application of company policies and practices.
• Partner closely with Human Resources to support organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and change management efforts.
• Serve as a visible and approachable leader who actively communicates, listens, and responds to employee feedback.

Quality & Customer Satisfaction

• Promote a culture where quality is embedded in every process and every decision.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and quality management systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, reduce defects, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Lead corrective and preventive action processes to address quality concerns and eliminate recurring issues.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, and Operations teams to improve process capability and product consistency.
• Monitor quality performance metrics and implement action plans to achieve quality objectives.

Who we're looking for and what we need

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including leadership of managers and supervisors.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing operations in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality, production, maintenance, and continuous improvement principles.
• Experience managing budgets, operational metrics, and business performance.
• Proven ability to lead change, develop teams, and drive measurable business results.

Preferred

• Experience in multi-shift manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
• Experience leading within union and/or non-union manufacturing environments.
• Advanced degree in Business, Engineering, or related discipline.

The Plant Manager is expected to:

• Lead with integrity, accountability, and transparency.
• Balance strategic thinking with operational execution.
• Make timely, data-informed decisions while considering long-term business impact.
• Build trust and credibility at all levels of the organization.
• Foster teamwork across departments and locations.
• Challenge the status quo and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop future leaders and strengthen organizational capability.
• Create alignment around goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Serve as a role model for company values and leadership behaviors.
• Demonstrate a servant leadership mentality with all team members

What we offer

Health & Welfare

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and dependents
• Health care & dependent flexible spending plans
• Free Life and AD&D coverage with supplemental coverage options
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental, physical and financial health

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive compensation
• Bonus opportunities
• Generous 401(k) plan

Time Off

• Paid time off, including vacation, volunteer time off, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Community & Personal Development

• • Donation matching and time off to volunteer
  • Educational reimbursement

EEOC

Gibraltar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and gives all applicants for
employment equal consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, arrest
record, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, transgender status,
genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other
status protected by federal, state or local law. Upon request and consistent with applicable
laws, Gibraltar will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who
need an accommodation to fully participate in the application process.