Our client is an established and growing manufacturing organization specializing in custom metal fabrication. The company is committed to delivering high-quality fabricated products while maintaining strong standards for safety, quality, efficiency, and customer service.

As the organization continues to grow, it is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to provide leadership across its production operations and ensure that manufacturing commitments are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and to specification.

Position Overview The Plant Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the manufacturing facility, with primary responsibility for production planning, scheduling, quality, employee performance, safety, and continuous improvement.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Plant Manager will lead supervisors, team leads, and shop floor employees while working closely with Production, Sales, suppliers, and other internal stakeholders to ensure production plans are achieved.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on and accountable operations leader with strong manufacturing experience, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage people, priorities, and production challenges in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Production Planning & Operations

- Develop, manage, and execute production plans and schedules to meet customer delivery commitments.
- Review and approve weekly production schedules and prioritize work orders to optimize production flow.
- Conduct daily production reviews and communicate priorities, assignments, and expectations to production teams.
- Monitor work-in-progress (WIP) against required delivery dates and take proactive action to address potential delays.
- Review incoming work orders and identify delivery risks or scheduling challenges immediately.
- Analyze production specifications to determine appropriate fabrication processes, tools, equipment, labour requirements, and job allocation.
- Work closely with Production Controllers and Sales to plan complex or large-scale projects and ensure manufacturing requirements and delivery commitments are clearly understood.
- Monitor production progress, work-in-process, raw material inventory, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Expedite operations when unforeseen issues or delays threaten production schedules.
- Ensure finished products are properly stored, handled, and delivered to their required destinations.
- Ensure all relevant production activities and work orders are accurately recorded within the ERP system.

Quality & Process Management
- Ensure production activities comply with established quality standards, specifications, drawings, and blueprints.
- Monitor quality throughout each stage of the manufacturing process.
- Identify production issues and implement corrective actions to maintain product quality and delivery standards.
- Work with production personnel to resolve fabrication, efficiency, and process-related challenges.
- Maintain accurate production documentation, reports, procedures, and records.
- Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across the plant.

Leadership & Team Management




- Provide leadership and direction to supervisors, team leads, and shop floor employees.
- Set clear expectations and establish priorities for production teams.
- Monitor attendance, productivity, performance, and employee engagement.
- Provide coaching, training, feedback, and performance management as required.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, career development, leave management, and other employee-related matters.
- Ensure employees receive appropriate orientation and ongoing training.
- Maintain accurate employee training and production records.
- Address employee concerns and escalations professionally and in a timely manner.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture.

Health, Safety & Compliance
- Maintain a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, and company policies.
- Ensure employees properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, machinery, and protective devices.
- Ensure employees receive appropriate training regarding workplace hazards, equipment, PPE, and safe work practices.
- Identify and address actual or potential workplace hazards.
- Establish and maintain safe operating procedures and practices throughout the facility.
- Ensure production activities comply with company quality standards, policies, procedures, and applicable legislation.
- Maintain required safety and compliance documentation and training records.
- Support and promote a proactive approach to workplace health and safety.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships across Production, Sales, Operations, and other departments.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration between production and other internal stakeholders.
- Liaise with suppliers, contractors, service providers, and other external partners as required.
- Communicate production status, challenges, risks, and opportunities to the General Manager and relevant stakeholders.
- Participate in daily, weekly, and monthly production and operational review meetings.

Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, workflow, quality, cost, and employee productivity.
- Conduct root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
- Promote Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Lead or participate in cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor results and establish measurable improvements in production performance.
- Coordinate and implement preventative maintenance and equipment maintenance schedules.
- Prepare and present regular production and operational reports to the General Manager.

Key Performance Areas





Success in this position will be measured by the Plant Manager's ability to:

- Deliver production schedules and customer commitments consistently.
- Optimize production flow, labour utilization, and work-in-progress.
- Maintain high standards of product quality.
- Improve production efficiency and minimize delays and downtime.
- Maintain a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
- Build and retain a high-performing, engaged production team.
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Establish strong collaboration across departments.
- Provide accurate and timely production reporting to leadership.

Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, production, plant operations, or a related environment.
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in manufacturing, engineering, operations, or a related discipline is an asset.
- Strong experience in production planning and scheduling.
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing manufacturing teams.
- Experience in a custom fabrication or metal manufacturing environment is considered a solid asset.
- Working knowledge of ERP systems and production management software.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and production workflows.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is an asset.
- Strong understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
- JHSC certification or other health and safety certifications are considered an asset.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing/ERP systems.

Core Competencies The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Production Leadership – Ability to effectively manage complex production operations and competing priorities.
- Planning & Organization – Strong ability to plan, schedule, prioritize, and execute production requirements.
- Problem Solving – Practical, analytical approach to identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
- Accountability – Takes ownership of results and follows through on commitments.
- Initiative – Proactive in identifying issues and opportunities before they impact operations.
- Communication – Clear, direct, and effective communication with employees, leadership, and stakeholders.
- Adaptability – Comfortable responding to changing production demands and unforeseen challenges.
- People Leadership – Ability to coach, motivate, develop, and hold employees accountable.
- Continuous Improvement – Demonstrated commitment to improving processes, efficiency, quality, and safety.
- Time Management – Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on critical deadlines.

What the Company Offers
- Competitive compensation package, Base salary - $110K+ based on experience
- Comprehensive benefits
- Opportunity to lead and influence a growing manufacturing operation
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Collaborative and hands-on leadership environment
- Opportunity to drive meaningful operational improvements

📌 Plant manager (Richmond Hill)
🏢 Goldbeck Recruiting
📍 Richmond Hill