Production Manager - Gastonia - MAT Friction

Description

Overview

MAT Holdings is a global company with more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries and 40+ locations. Headquartered in Long Grove, IL, we offer opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more. At MAT, we focus on excellence across the supply chain and invite you to contribute your skills to shape the future of global manufacturing.

Benefits

• MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
• Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
• 401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
• Career Advancement Program, training and development
• Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Voluntary Life / AD&D, Employer Provided Life/AD&D
• and More

Job Description

The Plant Manager is responsible for keeping production on schedule and ensuring raw materials available for the manufacturing operation are efficiently converted into chain link fencing, horse & field fence, and barbed wire. The role requires a hands-on leader who works closely with production crews, solves problems quickly, and keeps operations running smoothly. Collaborate with the site Operations Manager to ensure raw material storage, finished goods, and space constraints are transparent and within thresholds. Continuous communication with teams about quality metrics and integrating feedback into operational practices is essential for achieving ongoing improvements.

Principle Responsibilities

Operations

• Supervise daily production to meet order schedules, quality standards, and safety requirements
• Supervise on-site or remote hourly personnel to ensure appropriate staffing of the facility
• Drive a safety and quality-focused production business while driving operational excellence by maintaining high OEE
• Manage and lead onsite functional teams of repairs and maintenance, tool and die, production, warehouse, quality, and other supporting personnel based in Gastonia, NC
• Work side by side with operators to troubleshoot issues
• Plan and report production performance, continuous improvement activities, action plans, strategic plans, and employee utilization
• Propose, justify, and implement capital expenditures for sustaining, growing, or improving operations at Gastonia, NC, and Riverside, CA
• Coordinate cross-training and knowledge sharing with the sister plant in Vietnam
• Develop solutions for operational challenges at the site
• Assist the VP/GM with special projects (e.g., M&A operation reviews, establishing new production lines)
• Supervise traffic personnel to ensure OTIF (on-time-in-full) shipments
• Collaborate with Purchasing to maintain a market-competitive cost structure for services and materials
• Supervise quality personnel to ensure incoming raw material quality meets MAT standards
• Meet customer OTIF requirements
• Manage budgeted cost levels and adjust cost structure as needed

People

• Set daily production priorities and communicate clearly with crews
• Train and coach operators to meet safety, quality, and performance expectations
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and a safe work environment
• Develop and empower employees to grow, including succession planning via the Next Level program
• Communicate plant performance and results to the team using visual communications on the shop floor
• Assist in the recruitment and retention of facility personnel
• Ensure all employees adhere to corporate policies and guidelines; take corrective action as required within policy and applicable laws

Quality

• Track output, downtime, and scrap; take action to improve efficiency
• Monitor material usage daily to prevent shortages
• Coordinate deliveries with suppliers and resolve late or damaged shipments
• Work with warehouse/receiving to confirm counts and quality of incoming materials
• Drive cost savings through yield improvements and scrap reduction

Financial

• Responsible for overall profit and loss results at the plant operating level
• Evaluate financial implications of changes to maximize profitability
• Keep BOMs accurate and updated as products or processes change
• Forecast raw material needs based on sales orders, inventory levels, and seasonality
• Order wire, steel, and coatings to maintain proper stock without overbuying

Qualifications

Preferred/Required Education/Skills:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent experience
• Ten or more years in a manufacturing environment
• Lean thinker with experience implementing and working in a Lean environment
• Proven ability to develop a culture of safety and 5S
• Proven leadership with daily task management and accountability
• Experience in leadership development and succession planning
• Working knowledge of SAP is a plus
• Experience working in a TS 16949 facility

Competencies

• Safety First Perspective
• Quality Focused
• Lean Thinker
• Team Development
• Driven by Results

The posted salary range for this position is $105,000 to $140,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidates skills, experience, and qualifications.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. This is a full-time, direct-hire position.

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