Plant Manager

THE COMPANY

Our client is a global leader in precision fluid-control solutions—specializing in high-engineering solenoid valves, pumps, rotary vanes, gears, and components used by the world’s top appliance, beverages, and industrial OEMs. With more than $300M USD in annual revenue and a growing international footprint, our client operates multiple advanced manufacturing sites across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including its fast-expanding plant in Nogales, Mexico. The company combines engineering excellence with a strong culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and innovation. For Plant Manager candidates, the company offers the opportunity to lead a high-impact manufacturing operation at the heart of the company’s North American growth strategy—driving safety, quality, automation, and operational performance within a global, technology-driven organization committed to long-term investment in Mexico.

THE POSITION

Seeking a highly experienced Plant Manager (that is both hands-on and strategic) to lead the operations of their growing industrial manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant performance, including production, quality, maintenance, process engineering, process industrialization, materials, safety, environmental and workforce management. Competencies on financials skills and P&L understanding are appreciated. The ideal candidate has a proven record of accomplishment in production transfers, ramp-ups, lean manufacturing, cost optimization, team leadership, and continuous improvement in a high-volume industrial production environment in a multinational company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and safety metrics are consistently met or exceeded.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish short- and long-term operational goals aligned with business objectives.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Oversee and mentor department managers (e.g., production, maintenance/process engineering, quality, logistics/materials) to ensure smooth and integrated operations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and environmental standards.
• Develop and manage plant budgets, P&L, capital expenditures, and cost controls.
• Foster a high-performance culture with strong employee engagement, development, and retention practices.
• Partner with HR to address workforce planning, training, and labor relations matters.
• Lead and manage cross-functional initiatives related to new product launches, production transfers, technology upgrades, and equipment installations.

THE CANDIDATE

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, industrial engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing plant leadership role (i.e., Plant Manager, Director of Manufacturing, Director of Operations or similar) in a Maquiladora / IMMEX.
• Demonstrated experience in managing mid-scale capital intensive manufacturing operations with 100+ employees.
• Experience working with ISO 9001 or QMS systems. Familiarity with  IATF 16949 is a plus.
• Familiar with IMMEX operation in Mexico.
• Requires experience with manual assembly and highly prefer some automation assembly experience. Mechanical skills or knowledge in CNC Machining, Plastic Injection Molding, and Coil Winding is desirable.
• Experience with production transfers.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Proven record of accomplishment of achieving production, safety, and quality targets.
• Strong financial and international business acumen. Knowledge of P&L.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Must have Authorization to work in Mexico and Valid U.S. Visa (if applicable).
• Must be able to communicate both verbal and written English and Spanish.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Master’s degree (MBA or related).
• Experience with fluidic pump components and knowledge of magnetic drive gear pump technology is a plus (not required).
• Certification in Lean or Six Sigma (e.g., Black Belt).
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, JDE), MES, MRP, WMS. Please note SAP will be implemented in 2026 in Mexico.
• S&OP (Sales & Operation Planning) knowledge is highly desirable.
• Background in union and non-union environments.

Working Conditions

• This role requires frequent presence on the shop floor in a high-paced manufacturing environment.
• May require extended hours, including evenings or weekends, during critical production periods or shutdowns.
• International Travel up to 15%.