Overview
Plant Manager Jobs in South Bend, IN at IFT Worldwide
Title: Plant Manager
Company: IFT Worldwide
Location: South Bend, IN
Position Summary
The Plant Manager has full operational accountability for the IFT Foundation Court facility – a metal finishing operation serving aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, and nuclear customers under AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and NADCAP-accredited processes.
The Plant Manager is accountable for two core priorities: operational excellence and leadership development. They oversee, coordinate, and optimize all production processes at IFT, ensuring systems and procedures are consistently followed. The role manages scheduling, processing, testing, administrative functions, and other production activities to support IFT’s on‑time delivery goals and maintain quality in a cost‑effective way. The Plant Manager also develops their team through consistent coaching, performance management, and leadership growth initiatives. They have the authority to direct resources as needed to meet corporate objectives established by the Executive Management Committee and the Strategic Business Plan.
Operations & Process Management Responsibilities
The Plant Manager owns end‑to‑end operational performance of the facility and ensures all production processes run safely, efficiently, and in alignment with quality and delivery commitments. Key responsibilities include:
- Daily Production Leadership — Direct all production operations across shifts, ensuring throughput targets are met without compromising safety or quality.
- Daily Operations Reviews — Lead structured daily reviews, addressing performance variances through disciplined root‑cause analysis.
- KPI Ownership — Establish and review facility KPIs (on‑time delivery, first‑pass yield, throughput, cost per unit) with the team on a weekly cadence.
- Checklist & Meeting Compliance — Ensure Assistant Plant Manager and Coordinator daily checklists are completed, and bi‑weekly department action‑item meetings occur with proper tracking.
- On‑Time Delivery Management — Maintain IFT’s on-time delivery goals by coordinating scheduling and staffing needs with department coordinators.
- Customer & Internal Communication — Communicate with internal/external customers and production administrative staff to monitor order status and facilitate changes as needed.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Work effectively with EHS, Maintenance, Sales, and Quality to ensure seamless operations.
- Sales Support — Support Technical Sales with quote input, technical guidance, customer visits, and other sales‑related activities.
- People Leadership & Development — Lead, coach, and develop team members; support hiring decisions, training needs, qualification records, and performance evaluations.
- Continuous Improvement — Identify and recommend cost controls, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
- Inventory & Materials Coordination — Partner with Purchasing to verify, review, maintain, and report on materials and production inventories.
People Leadership & Team Development
- Build & Develop Talent — Recruits, hires, trains, and develops a high‑performing team while promoting from within and strengthening overall leadership capability.
- Lead Daily Operations — Oversees daily workflow, ensures policy and standards compliance, and maintains consistent execution across the facility.
- Coach for Performance — Provides timely evaluations, sets clear individual goals, manages performance objectively, and addresses issues fairly through coaching and corrective action.
- Grow Future Leaders — Identifies high‑potential employees, builds development plans, drives succession planning, delegates effectively, and models strong leadership behaviors.
- Communicate & Collaborate Effectively — Communicates clearly at all levels, navigates constructive or difficult conversations, and maintains strong interpersonal and customer‑service relationships.
- Demonstrate Professional Competence — Applies strong technical aptitude, analytical problem‑solving, organizational discipline, time‑management skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite to support team and operational success.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management, Industrial Engineering or related field highly preferred. (Proven experience will be considered in lieu of a degree)
- Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a plant management or senior operations leadership role
- Demonstrated experience leading operations in a regulated manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience managing personnel across multiple shifts in a continuous or near-continuous operating environment
- Working knowledge of metal finishing processes, a plus
- Practical fluency with AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and NADCAP requirements a plus
Job Level
Managerial level position. Reports directly to the Director of Operations
Travel
Local and overnight travel may be required occasionally.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: IFT is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
