Plant Manager

DAVCO Technology, the North American leader in diesel fuel-heater/water separators and filter systems seeks a full-time Plant Manager.

SUMMARY

The Plant Manager leads all manufacturing operations to deliver safe, compliant, high‑quality, on‑time, and cost‑effective production. This role owns the plant’s performance system, drives continuous improvement, and builds a culture of clarity, accountability, and operational excellence. The Plant Manager partners closely with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, EHS, and Finance to ensure stable processes, disciplined execution, and readiness for customer and regulatory audits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Safety & Environmental Stewardship

- Champion a zero‑injury culture with proactive hazard identification, near‑miss reporting, and safe work practices.

- Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental regulations.

- Ensure proper use of required PPE for all tasks, including eye, hand, and foot protection, and immediately stop work if PPE is missing, damaged, or inappropriate for the hazard.

Operational Leadership

- Lead daily plant operations across production, maintenance, materials, and facilities with full accountability for SQDC performance.

- Ensure stable, repeatable processes using standard work, visual management, and layered accountability.

- Review production orders or schedules to ascertain product data such as types, quantities, and specifications of products and

scheduled delivery dates to plan department operations.

- Develop and/or revise standard operating and working practices and observe workers to ensure compliance with standards.

Performance & Metrics

- Own plant KPIs including OEE, 5S, TRIR/DART, scrap, NMFR, on‑time delivery, inventory accuracy, and water/energy intensity.

- Run daily/weekly tiered meetings with clear action logs, owners, and deadlines.

- Implement digital dashboards and real‑time visibility tools to support decision‑making.

- Meet budget objectives in labor utilization, manufacturing supplies, and CI.

- Provide accurate, timely KPI data, trend analyses, and supporting reports for Management Reviews, ensuring leadership has clear visibility into performance, risks, corrective actions, and compliance status.

Quality & Compliance

- Partner with Quality to maintain compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and customer-specific requirements.

- Ensure robust APQP/PPAP execution for new products and engineering changes.

- Lead containment, root cause analysis, and systemic corrective actions using 8D, 5‑Why, and FMEA updates.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

- Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering on process capability, equipment reliability, and new technology deployment.

- Partner with Supply Chain on material flow, inventory reduction, and supplier performance.

- Collaborate with HR on staffing, training, and leadership development.

Continuous Improvement

- Lead Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and strengthen built‑in quality.

- Deploy GEMBA walks, kaizen events, and CI training for supervisors and operators.

- Modernize processes through digital transformation, error‑proofing, and automation.

Leadership & Culture

- Build a high‑performance team with clear expectations, coaching, and accountability.

- Foster a culture of ownership, transparency, and disciplined execution.

- Ensure supervisors and leads have the tools, training, and clarity needed to run their areas effectively

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES – Production Managers, Machining Teams, Assembly Teams, and Shipping/Warehouse Teams

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field

- 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in automotive or high-reliability environments.

- Strong command of Lean, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP, and core quality tools.

- Demonstrated experience with modern MRP/ERP systems to manage production planning, inventory accuracy, and material flow; proficiency with QAD and/or JD Edwards strongly preferred.

- Experience with digital manufacturing systems, MES, and workflow automation.

- Proven success leading teams, improving KPIs, and modernizing operations.

- Strong inter-personal / communication skills

- Strong computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Enterprise System)

LANGUAGE SKILLS English

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Advanced math/statistics

PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands, talk, hear and listen. May occasionally be required to bend, reach, stoop, kneel or crouch. May have occasional time sitting and using a computer. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. May require the use of safety equipment such as personal protection equipment (PPE) such as steel toe shoes, hearing and eye protection in areas where working. May require out-of-area and/or overnight travel and/or weekend work in response to company needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Non-smoking, clean manufacturing facility with cross functional empowered teams. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate to loud.

COMP PACKAGE

Position includes base salary, annual bonus eligibility, paid time-off plans, comprehensive benefit/insurance plan, annual merit increases.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Manufacturing Leadership: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Saline, MI 48176 (Required)

Work Location: In person