Plant Manager - Verona, WI

Latitude Corp.

We are looking for a Plant Manager to join our 100% EMPLOYEE-OWNED team.

Latitude Corp. offers challenging and rewarding career opportunities in precision metal manufacturing where we make the impossible possible.We embrace problem solvers, creativity and innovation.With clean, climate-controlled facilities, we offer comfortable working environments. Our customers span a variety of industries, including US military and defense.We are proud of the work we do, and we believe that our employees are the key to our success. That's why we're committed to providing our team with the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, and strategic direction of the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that production objectives, quality standards, safety requirements, and financial goals are achieved through disciplined execution and data-driven decision making.

The Plant Manager leads a large cross-functional manufacturing team and is accountable for driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. This role requires deep experience in precision manufacturing environments including machining, sheet metal fabrication, and metal coating processes, along with the ability to leverage operational data and performance metrics to continuously improve plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for daily plant operations including production, quality, maintenance, planning, and materials.
• Ensure production output meets customer demand while maintaining safety, quality, and cost objectives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company business goals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and drive accountability through measurable operational metrics.

Data-Driven Performance Management

• Utilize production data, KPIs, and operational metrics to drive decision making and improve plant performance.
• Monitor and manage key performance indicators including:
• • On-time delivery
  • Throughput and capacity utilization
  • Scrap and rework
  • Labor efficiency
  • Inventory levels
  
  
• Implement reporting systems and dashboards to provide operational visibility and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a manufacturing organization of approximately 200 employees.
• Manage hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and workforce development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strong leadership presence across all shifts and departments.

Manufacturing & Process Excellence

• Oversee manufacturing processes including:
• • Precision machining
  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • Metal coating processes
  
  
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Ensure effective maintenance practices to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with quality management systems including ISO 9001 and AS9100.
• Work closely with the Quality team to ensure products meet all customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and drive corrective actions when necessary.

Capacity & Production Planning

• Determine manpower, equipment, and capacity requirements to meet production demand.
• Support introduction of new products and ensure the plant has appropriate capabilities and resources.
• Coordinate cross-functional communication between production, engineering, quality, and planning.

Financial & Operational Accountability

• Responsible for overall plant financial performance including cost control, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Manage inventory control processes including cycle counts and physical inventories.
• Support capital planning, plant expansion, and operational improvements needed to support growth.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure a safe working environment and promote a strong safety culture.
• Identify and eliminate hazardous conditions and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• This position holds full responsibility for plant operations, including production execution, operational performance, workforce leadership, and alignment with overall company strategy.
• The Plant Manager is expected to establish an operational vision for the facility, lead change initiatives, and ensure customer requirements are consistently met. This role has authority to make hiring and personnel decisions, manage operational resources, and represent the plant in customer interactions.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing economics, operational metrics, and performance management.
• Deep technical knowledge of:
• • Precision machining
  • Sheet metal fabrication
  • Metal finishing / coating processes
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead large manufacturing teams in a dynamic production environment.
• Proven track record improving operational performance including on-time delivery, quality, and cost management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate operational data into actionable improvements.
• Experience working with ERP systems and production planning tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field required.
• Minimum 10 years of management experience in a machine shop or precision sheet metal manufacturing environment with knowledge of metal coating processes.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience as a Plant Manager or Production Manager overseeing multiple departments.

* Experience working with Quality Management Systems and manufacturing compliance requirements.

* Experience supporting defense or government contract manufacturing environments preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work regularly on the manufacturing floor.
• Proficiency using computer systems and standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift to 40 lbs. when necessary.

Why Should You Choose Latitude Corp?

• We are a rapidly growing employee-owned manufacturing company
• Growth Opportunities
• Training Available
• Weekly Pay
• Clean and Climate Controlled Work Environment
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability
• Work on products that support the US Military and National Defense
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401K Plan with 4% Company Match

Latitude Corp is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.