Location: Kalamazoo,MI, USA
Job Title: Plant Manager
Business: Diversified Products - IPS Corporation
Location: Kalamazoo, MI
About the Company:
IPS Corporation is a global, market-leading provider of solvent cements, adhesives and specialized plumbing products for a broad range of construction, industrial, and manufacturing applications. Established in 1954 as the original inventor of solvent cement for PVC pipe applications, IPS has grown dramatically over the past 70+ years. Today with its three operating companies, WeldOn, IPS Adhesives and Diversified Products, we have 13 manufacturing plants and 20 distribution centers supporting sales to a diverse set of end markets in 85 countries.
Our leading brands include AB&A, Arjay, Christy's, Floodstop, Guy Gray, Integra, Roof Top Blox, SciGrip, Studor, Test-Tite, Tough Pans, TruBro, Water-Tite, and Weld-On.
About the Diversified Products Division:
IPS Corporation's Diversified Products division is an industry leader in residential and commercial roofing products and the plumbing industry's pioneer. We have sustained a superior reputation among plumbers, roofing distributors and contractors for high quality products, committed service and industry expertise. We were first to introduce plastic recessed washing machine and ice maker outlet boxes and continue to be a pioneer in our industry. For more information and to view our product catalog visit www.ipscorp.com
About the Role:
The Diversified Products division of IPS Corporation is looking for a Plant Manager to join us in our Kalamazoo, Michigan based plant focused on water damage prevention products. This person will have 5 direct reports ranging from an accountant to supply chain, buyers and more. On a daily basis, 20 people support the 29,000 sq/ft site working one shift from 8 am - 4:30 pm EST.
This hands-on onsite position will be responsible for all operational activities interacting with all areas of the plant including but not limited to raw materials, testing, assembly, packaging, shipping, engineering, technical service, product development, and quality assurance. This position will report directly to the Sr. Director/GM - Water Damage Prevention and have up to 10% travel.
Responsibilities:
* Lead factory management personnel in determining work volume, preparing work schedules, and expediting workflow to ensure maximum cost effectiveness while simultaneously attaining shipment, sales, and profit goals.
* Maintain workflow by monitoring all steps of the operation, equipment and resources.
* Facilitate corrections to malfunctions within the production process.
* Champion the Value-Add/Value-Engineer process within the factory.
* Ensure proper operation of equipment.
* Resolve personnel problems by investigating issues, identifying solutions, recommending actions
* Maintain a positive and motivating work environment; drive positive associate engagement.
* Foster a safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of equipment and resources.
* Interprets company policies to workers and enforces safety regulations.
* Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists in solving problems.
* Other duties as assigned
Required Education and Experience
* 8+ years' experience in a manufacturing, production, and warehouse environment
* 3+ years of experience managing direct reports as well as effectively partnering and influencing in-direct colleagues to action in order to meet goals
* Strong decision-making skills with the capability to adjust the process variables to maintain quality production, adjust to changes in workflow, and prioritize as needed to meet deadlines.
* Advanced understanding of supply chain concepts and analytics especially buying/procurement
* Strong skills in Excel as well as prior experience using ERP and warehouse management systems.
* Ability to regularly present KPIs and improvement measures to leadership
* Highly organized and excellent multi-tasker
* Excellent verbal/written communication skills with strong conflict resolution and change management skills
* Ability and prior experience of setting goals to meet strategic plans
* Strong problem-solving skills with unyielding drive to find solutions to obstacles that all stakeholders agree on
Preferred Experience
* Familiarity and prior application of lean six sigma practices, kaizen events, 5S business tools with a mindset towards continuous improvement.
* Bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain, engineering, or relevant degree
* Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; displays orientation to profitability; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; aligns work with strategic goals.
* Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate recognition to others. Success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
* Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; makes self-available to staff; provides regular performance feedback; develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); fosters quality focus in others; improves processes, products and services; continually works to improve supervisory skills.
* Conflict Resolution - Encourages open communications; confronts difficult situations; maintains objectivity; keeps emotions under control; uses negotiation skills to resolve conflicts.
* Safety and Security - Creates a safe and secure culture. Observes and promotes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; addresses potentially unsafe conditions; promotes the proper use of equipment and materials.
* Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources.
* Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
* Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures.
* Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in-group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
* Project Management - Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities.
Our Offer
We're a rapidly growing midsized company with a customer-centric mentality operating fast and lean. We think big, embrace problem solving, and believe our proven business system gives us a competitive edge in the markets we play. Through experience in this role, mentoring and via formal instruction, we will grow your career and develop you based off your strengths and interests.
A career with IPS Corporation will push you and challenge you, providing growth opportunities and the prospects to advance your career. If you are a driven performer, you will work with committed, like-minded people, giving you the support to reach your full potential.
* Competitive Compensation Package
* Insurance Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision
* Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
* Voluntary Benefits - Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
* Basic Life Insurance with Dependent Coverage Optional
* 401(k) with Company Match
* Vacation and Sick Leave
* Short Term & Long-Term Disability
* Tuition Assistance Program
* Employee Assistance Program
* Professional Development Opportunities