Plant Manager

Overview

The Plant Manager at Rain Bird plays a critical role in driving operational excellence within the manufacturing function. This position is responsible for maintaining a safe and productive work environment, upholding Rain Bird’s high standard of quality and customer service, overseeing production, and ensuring continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will strategically manage resources to meet operational goals, deliver high-quality products on time, and foster employee development while contributing to the financial health of the business.

DEVELOPMENT PATH

Based on performance, this position is a key part of Rain Bird succession planning to Director level positions, including key Operations and Strategic Business Unit leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with corporate strategies and operational targets.
• Provide hands-on leadership by maintaining a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, actively engaging with team members, addressing issues in real-time, and solving problems directly in the production environment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production processes, focusing on efficiency, safety, quality, and cost control.
• Oversee talent development and succession planning to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Optimize human and equipment utilization to maximize productivity and achieve production goals.
• Manage working capital to enhance financial performance, reduce waste, and ensure resource efficiency.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products while maintaining a safe, world-class working environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with broader business objectives.
• Lead corporate initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness, improve profit margins, and increase employee engagement.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead from the floor rather than from the office, ensuring ongoing support and guidance to frontline employees and fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with injection molding, automated assembly or extrusion in a high-volume environment. Has a working knowledge of extrusion machinery, safety, processing, materials, and quality.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management or Engineering. With the desire to pursue an MBA.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing management.
• A minimum of 5 years in P&L management with strong financial acumen.
• Proven leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated hands-on approach in the manufacturing environment.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills, with an aptitude for strategic thinking and detailed planning.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A technical undergraduate degree, preferably coupled with an MBA or equivalent from a prominent university.
• Experience in functions beyond operations, such as finance, marketing, or business development.
• International manufacturing operations experience.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding, automated assembly or extrusion in a high-volume environment.

Rain Bird is an equal opportunity employer

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