Plant Manager

Magnetic Component Engineering (“MCE”), a subsidiary of Dexter Magnetic Technologies (“Dexter”), manufactures permanent magnets and magnetic assemblies made to demanding customer specification in the aerospace / defense, semiconductor equipment, medical, and industrial end markets. MCE is based in Torrance, CA and operates one 48,000 square foot facility with 85 employees.

For more information on Magnetic Component Engineering, please visit: https://www.mceproducts.com/

Basic Purpose and Objective of the Position:

The Plant Manager oversees all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and safety. This role ensures efficient, compliant, and cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet business goals for productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The Plant Manager is responsible for implementing strategies that drive operational excellence, foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, and support the company’s growth objectives. This leader develops and mentors teams to build organizational capability and ensure strong leadership across all plant functions.

Major Responsibilities -reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Operational Leadership:

o Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and safety, ensuring alignment with business goals and customer requirements.
o Develop and implement production and operational plans, including scheduling, capacity planning, process controls, quality management, and efficiency initiatives to achieve optimal performance.
o Establish and maintain procedures to ensure products meet or exceed company and customer quality standards while driving continuous improvement in manufacturing practices.
o Plan, prioritize, and monitor production activities based on customer deadlines, resource availability, equipment capacity, and material supply to ensure on-time delivery.
o Lead daily operations meetings to review key performance indicators, address challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement across departments.
o Optimize organizational structure and workforce planning to maximize throughput, quality, and productivity.
o Utilize data-driven analysis to develop and implement strategies (e.g., setup time reduction, process optimization) that improve machine uptime, enhance labor efficiency, and reduce direct and indirect production costs.

Continuous Improvement/Lean/Safety:
o Maintain a safe, clean, and professional work environment by proactively identifying and eliminating risks while fostering a culture of operational excellence.
o Ensure compliance with all Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) and regulatory requirements through consistent monitoring, training, and accountability.
o Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance.
o Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, identify opportunities, and drive continuous improvement across operations.
o Lead process standardization and automation initiatives to improve throughput, consistency, and product quality.
o Analyze equipment utilization and workforce efficiency, proactively identifying and resolving bottlenecks or inefficiencies in all departments.
o Plan and execute a prioritized roadmap of Lean, 5S, and improvement projects, ensuring rapid implementation and measurable results.
o Continuously refine plant layout and material flow in alignment with Lean principles to support productivity and safety.
o Champion a culture of continuous improvement by teaching, coaching, and mentoring employees at all levels in Lean thinking and problem-solving.

• People Leadership/Management:

o Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, engineers, and production staff to achieve operational excellence and business objectives.
o Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and safety, ensuring all employees are engaged, empowered, and aligned with company values and goals.
o Supervise and coordinate the activities of all plant personnel, partnering closely with cross-functional teams such as Finance, HR, Customer Service, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless operations.
o Collaborate with Human Resources to implement effective organizational development initiatives, including recruiting, retention, performance management, compensation planning, and employee relations.
o Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and training programs to build skills, support career growth, and maintain operational readiness.
o Develop and execute labor plans that align staffing levels—both direct and indirect—with production needs, budget targets, and growth objectives.

• Financial Management:

o Develop, manage, and control the plant’s operating budget and capital expenditure plans to ensure financial performance aligns with company objectives.
o Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity—such as on-time delivery, scrap rates, past-due orders, overtime, material utilization, gross margin, and inventory performance.
o Identify and implement cost reduction and efficiency improvement initiatives that enhance profitability and operational effectiveness.
o Lead the capital planning process, including identifying, evaluating, and justifying investments that improve safety, cost, quality, delivery, and productivity.
o Ensure financial discipline and accountability throughout the plant by monitoring performance against budgets and driving continuous improvement in cost management.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

o Partner with Supply Chain, R&D, Quality, and HR to support business objectives.
o Participate in strategic planning and contribute to corporate growth initiatives.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

o Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, ideally in an engineering or management discipline; preference given to mechanical engineering or industrial engineering / technology.
o Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) preferred.

o 7–10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing management, with at least 3–5 years in a plant leadership role; preference given to experience in a high-mix, low-volume run manufacturing organization.
o Proven success managing large-scale production operations.
o Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.

Salary Range: $210,000-$220,000 + bonus

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical/Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Basic Life/AD&D (includes coverage for dependents 100% Company paid), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability (100% Company paid), Supplemental Life/AD&D, 401(k) with Company match, tuition assistance after 1 year, paid time off, and 11 paid holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.