Pay: $150K-175K annually ($125K-$140K base + 20% bonus), and full benefits.
Location: Onsite 5 days a week in Somerset, NJ
Client: Exceptionally successful national manufacturing brand
We are seeking a hands-on, strategic manufacturing leader with deep experience in metal fabrication operations and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is an accountable and results-driven professional who can lead teams, manage budgets, and drive operational efficiency in a fast-paced production environment. This individual must possess strong leadership and employee development skills, along with a solid understanding of regulatory compliance and workplace standards. We are looking for someone who thrives on problem-solving, builds high-performing teams, and consistently delivers operational excellence.
What You Will Do
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Direct and oversee all daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, inventory, and shipping/receiving.
- Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize costs, and ensure on-time delivery.
- Establish, monitor, and analyze KPIs related to productivity, scrap rates, downtime, safety, and overall plant performance; implement corrective actions as needed.
- Develop and manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and overall financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including workplace safety, wage and hour, anti-discrimination, environmental, and employment regulations.
- Maintain and enforce safety policies and procedures in compliance with OSHA standards.
- Ensure compliance with customer, industry, and quality standards (e.g., ISO, if applicable).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and operational efficiency.
- Lead, mentor, and develop management staff, supervisors, and production personnel, including hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
- Partner with Human Resources to ensure lawful hiring, discipline, termination, scheduling, wage payment, overtime compliance, and recordkeeping.
- Promote a respectful, inclusive workplace free from harassment and discrimination in accordance with applicable laws.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other departments to align plant operations with business objectives.
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring compliance with safety, insurance, and contractual requirements.
- What It Takes to Succeed
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably metal fabrication or metal processing.
- Strong knowledge of machining, welding, stamping, forming, and finishing operations.
- Working knowledge of NJ wage and hour compliance and workplace safety requirements.
- Demonstrated leadership and team development experience.
Bonus Points
- Experience in metal shop production
- MBA or advanced technical degree.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification.
- Experience in unionized environments (if applicable).
- ERP/MRP system experience.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
- Manufacturing facility environment with exposure to machinery, moving parts, noise, heat, and metal fabrication processes.
- Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Regular presence on production floor required.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to inspect machinery and manufactured components.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided consistent with applicable law.
Location: Somerset, NJ
Job Type: Full-time, Exempt, Monday to Friday, from 7am to 4pm with flexibility to work additional hours beyond the standard workweek, as needed, to meet operational demands and business objectives.
Benefits:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Company Paid Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurances
- Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life Insurance, LegalShield, and more)
- 401K with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Time
- 9 Paid Holidays
