Plant Operations Manager — Material Handling & Conveyor Systems

Lead the heartbeat of our Maquoketa plant

Step into a role where your decisions shape output, safety, and quality every day. As the Plant Operations Manager at Mallard Manufacturing, you’ll orchestrate people, processes, and materials to keep our material handling and conveyor products flowing to customers with precision.

A day in the life

• Begin with a floor walk to confirm safe, efficient startups and production readiness.
• Review KPIs, adjust schedules to balance capacity and demand, and remove roadblocks.
• Partner cross-functionally to align plant priorities with company objectives.
• Coach supervisors, reinforce 5S, and embed continuous improvement behaviors.
• Audit quality and safety practices; act quickly on trends or deviations.
• Collaborate with suppliers to secure on-time delivery and material quality.
• Wrap the day by validating reports, compliance records, and safety documentation.

Impact you’ll make

• Oversee daily plant operations to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality output.
• Elevate manufacturing processes to boost productivity, minimize waste, and control costs.
• Translate business goals into plant targets and aligned execution.
• Develop and manage production plans to meet demand while optimizing capacity.
• Adapt operations to shifts in demand, resources, or equipment performance.
• Hold the line on quality to meet customer and industry specifications.
• Implement and sustain rigorous safety protocols for a zero-harm workplace.
• Manage supplier performance for on-time delivery and consistent material standards.
• Right-size staffing levels to balance labor costs with throughput.
• Mentor employees to build accountability, teamwork, and growth.
• Champion 5S and continuous improvement across the facility.
• Maintain accurate production, compliance, and safety records.

What equips you for success

• Exceptional communicator and people leader who inspires performance.
• Analytical decision-maker with a bias for practical problem-solving.
• Financially minded operator skilled in cost, material, and process control.
• Change agent with a continuous improvement mindset and Lean know-how.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 6+ years in manufacturing or operations.
• Track record leading production teams and driving process improvements.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing and operational efficiency practices.

Technical strengths we value

• Leadership / People Management
• Supervisory Experience
• Production Optimization
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience

Role snapshot

• Pay Range: $72,000 - $82,000 per year (based on skills and experience)
• Work Location: Maquoketa, IA 52060
• Travel: 5%

Classification

**Position Type: **Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)