Plant Manager at Lafferty Equipment Manufacturing Inc

Description

The Plant Manager oversees all manufacturing, production, and warehousing operations within CFS Technologies’ MacArthur facility, for the Knight product line. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production output while driving continuous improvement across processes, people, and equipment. The Plant Manager will lead cross-functional coordination, operational planning, resource allocation, and performance management to meet organizational goals. As a key member of the operations leadership team, this individual partners closely with the COO to execute strategic initiatives and operational excellence programs.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Oversee all day-to-day plant operations, including production, assembly, maintenance, and warehousing activities.
   
• Ensure consistent achievement of safety, quality, delivery, and cost goals.
   
• Coordinate with the Planning team to plan and schedule plant capacity and workflow to meet customer demand and on-time delivery expectations.
   
• Drive execution of plant KPIs and implement corrective actions when performance gaps arise.
   
• Ensure compliance with all internal policies and regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA, chemical handling standards).

People Management & Development

• Directly manage the Production Manager and Warehouse Manager; provide coaching, mentoring, and performance evaluations.
   
• Partner with HR, Production, and Warehouse leadership to recruit, develop, and retain high-quality talent.
   
• Conduct regular leadership and team meetings to ensure alignment, communication, and operational clarity.
   

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture and ensure robust safety programs, training, and audits.
   
• Assist the Quality Manager and team with implementing and managing quality standards, including process controls and inspection procedures.
   
• Support ongoing regulatory compliance related to chemical storage, dispensing, and manufacturing processes.
   
• Investigate and resolve safety or quality incidents, implementing root-cause corrective actions.
    

Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Identify, lead, and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, and waste reduction.
   
• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and other operational excellence tools to optimize plant performance.
   
• Assess equipment needs and initiate capital improvement projects to support growth and operational reliability.
   

Supply Chain, Inventory & Warehouse Oversight

• Oversee warehouse and inventory control processes to ensure accuracy and material availability.
   
• Collaborate with procurement, supply chain, and planning teams to address material gaps and optimize inventory levels.
   
• Ensure proper receiving, storage, handling, and shipping of components and finished goods.
   

Budgeting & Financial Performance

• Develop and manage plant budgets, including labor, maintenance, materials, and capital expenditures.
   
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying trends and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
   
• Prepare operational reports and present updates, challenges, and improvement plans to the COO.
   

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, R&D, Quality, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to support product launches, process changes, and improvement projects.
   
• Coordinate with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to align production output with customer demand.
   

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or plant management role.
   
• Experience overseeing production and warehouse operations within a mechanical, electromechanical, or chemical-related manufacturing environment.
   
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing best practices, continuous improvement methodologies, and safety regulations.
   
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage performance, and build a positive, results-oriented culture.
   
• Excellent communication, organization, and strategic planning skills.
   
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
   

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
   
• Experience in chemical or fluid-handling equipment manufacturing.
   
• Lean or Six Sigma certifications.
   
• Proven success leading capital projects and scaling operations.
   
• Experience working within and adhering to ISO standards.