Plant Manager
Trevor Frances Recruitment is supporting a confidential search for a Plant Manager to lead operations at a specialized manufacturing facility in Kitchener, Ontario. This role is well-suited for a hands-on, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a fast-paced, agile environment and enjoys being actively involved in day-to-day plant operations.
The Plant Manager will be responsible for overseeing end-to-end production, driving operational efficiency, and fostering a strong, safety-focused and performance-driven culture. This role also plays a key part in supporting business growth, continuous improvement initiatives, and long-term operational strategy.
Job Duties
Oversee full plant operations, including raw material intake, production, fabrication, and final product shipping
Lead, coach, and develop a team of approximately 20 employees, fostering a positive and engaged workplace culture
Inspire and motivate teams to exceed performance expectations through continuous improvement initiatives
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational discipline, ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations
Build and maintain strong relationships with employees, customers, and cross-functional teams
Support business growth by ensuring high-quality output and efficient turnaround of specialized product lines
Champion manufacturing initiatives and contribute to the development and execution of strategic and tactical production plans
Implement and integrate continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) into daily operations
Develop systems to evaluate and improve manufacturing processes, productivity, and efficiency
Conduct time studies and establish production standards to optimize performance
Manage inventory levels and coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure operational continuity
Oversee multiple production areas and functions, including fabrication, maintenance, and related departments
Coach employees on problem-solving techniques and provide hands-on support with production troubleshooting
Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and workforce planning to meet operational demands
Requirements
5–8+ years of management experience within a manufacturing environment
Hands-on leadership style with the ability to troubleshoot technical processes alongside the team
Experience in a unionized environment is required or strongly preferred
Post-secondary education in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field is preferred
Strong understanding of inventory management, production planning, and supply chain logistics
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels
Proven ability to drive engagement, performance, and cultural change within a production environment
Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and able to operate with a strong sense of urgency
Experience in furniture, bedding, or polyurethane-based manufacturing environments is considered an asset
Trevor Frances Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and will work to accommodate needs throughout the recruitment process.