Plant Manager

Opportunity Profile

Location: Rockingham, North Carolina

Position Title: Plant Manager

The Opportunity:

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader to step into a highly visible and impactful Plant Manager role within a growing corrugated packaging operation. The company is entering an exciting phase of expansion, including the addition of a new converting line and continued investment in operational capabilities. The individual selected for this position will have the opportunity to influence the direction of the facility, strengthen operational execution, and help shape the next stage of the company's growth.

The Plant Manager will play a critical role in leading day-to-day manufacturing operations, driving employee accountability, improving production performance, and supporting maintenance reliability across the facility. This is not a position for someone who wants to simply maintain the status quo. The company is seeking a leader who wants to make a visible impact, build upon the foundation that has already been established, and help elevate the business to the next level.

The facility has benefited from significant improvements over the past several years, with substantial progress made in upgrading equipment reliability and operational stability. With much of that foundational work completed, the next Plant Manager will have the opportunity to focus on people development, accountability, process improvement, production efficiency, and continuous operational enhancement.

This role offers substantial autonomy and direct access to company leadership. Ideas are welcomed, improvements are encouraged, and leaders are empowered to influence decisions that positively impact customers, employees, and the business overall. The successful candidate will lead approximately 25 to 30 employees while helping ensure the facility continues to grow, improve, and meet expanding customer demands.

For an ambitious operations leader who enjoys being on the manufacturing floor, developing teams, solving problems, and driving results, this opportunity provides the chance to leave a meaningful and lasting mark on a growing organization.

The Company:

Our client is a growing manufacturer within the corrugated packaging industry that continues to invest in its future through equipment expansion, process improvements, and innovation. The company operates in an entrepreneurial environment where decisions can be made quickly and leaders are encouraged to contribute ideas that help improve operations and customer service.

The facility operates a diverse range of manufacturing assets including converting lines, flexo equipment, die cutters, slitting operations, box manufacturing systems, pallet manufacturing equipment, and robotic technology. The organization has also developed proprietary manufacturing processes, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and product development.

Unlike larger corporate environments, the company offers employees the opportunity to see the direct impact of their contributions. Leadership maintains a strong focus on customer service, operational excellence, and long-term growth while fostering a collaborative atmosphere where teamwork and practical solutions are highly valued.

The organization is positioned for continued growth and provides employees with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful operational initiatives while helping shape the future of the business.

The Boss:

The Plant Manager will report directly to a highly engaged and accessible business leader who remains actively involved in the operation and its long-term growth strategy. Leadership values collaboration, initiative, and practical problem-solving, while maintaining a strong commitment to serving customers and investing in opportunities that support sustainable growth.

The company’s leadership team has demonstrated a willingness to invest in equipment, improvements, and employee-generated ideas when those investments create value for customers and the organization. Leaders are empowered to make decisions, contribute to strategic discussions, and play an active role in shaping operational priorities.

This environment offers direct visibility to ownership and decision-makers, providing the successful candidate with a level of influence and involvement that is often difficult to find within larger organizations.

The Position:

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of daily manufacturing operations within the Rockingham facility. This individual will oversee production activities, workforce performance, maintenance coordination, operational efficiency, and overall plant execution.The role requires a leader who can effectively manage the production floor, hold employees accountable, support equipment reliability efforts, and drive a culture focused on safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement.The Plant Manager will work closely with company leadership to execute operational priorities while helping position the facility for future growth and expansion.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and plant activities.
• Manage and develop approximately 25 to 30 production employees.
• Establish and maintain accountability for safety, quality, productivity, attendance, and performance expectations.
• Oversee production performance across multiple manufacturing and converting assets.
• Coordinate maintenance activities and support equipment reliability initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on efficiency, uptime, throughput, and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure customer expectations are consistently met through quality production and on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with company leadership on operational priorities and growth initiatives.
• Manage workforce scheduling and production execution.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive manufacturing environment.
• Support employee development and leadership growth within the operation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational enhancements.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing floor operations.
• Proven ability to hold employees accountable and drive workforce performance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead teams within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and plant operations.
• Ability to effectively balance production, maintenance, quality, and operational priorities.
• Hands-on leadership style with a strong floor presence.
• Maintenance knowledge or experience is highly desirable.

Education and Experience:

• Experience supervising production personnel within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in plant management, operations management, manufacturing leadership, superintendent, or similar roles.
• Corrugated packaging, converting, box manufacturing, paper, or related industry experience preferred.
• Experience with flexo folder gluers, die cutters, converting lines, presses, or similar manufacturing equipment preferred.
• Maintenance leadership or maintenance management experience preferred.
• Experience implementing operational improvements and equipment reliability initiatives preferred.

Work Environment:

This position is based within a manufacturing facility located in Rockingham, North Carolina. The operation includes multiple converting assets, production equipment, pallet manufacturing systems, and robotic technology. The Plant Manager is expected to maintain a strong presence on the production floor, working directly with employees, maintenance personnel, and company leadership.

Compensation:

The company offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the opportunity. Additional transition assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates when appropriate.