Manufacturing Plant Manager

About the role

Cerex Advanced Fabrics is seeking a Manufacturing Plant Manager to lead its manufacturing operation in Escambia County, Florida. Reporting to the President, this onsite leader oversees seven direct reports and approximately 45 indirect reports across production, safety, maintenance, quality, warehouse, shipping, regulatory compliance, and inventory control. You will translate business goals into operational strategies that improve safety, product consistency, delivery, productivity, and profitability in a 24-hour manufacturing environment. The role combines daily plant leadership with budgeting, capital planning, equipment reliability, employee development, and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates bring strong manufacturing leadership experience, sound business judgment, and a collaborative approach to solving operational challenges. Occasional travel and availability outside normal business hours are required. Cerex Advanced Fabrics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug-Free Workplace.

What you'll do

• Lead all plant functions and deliver safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory, and cost targets.
• Maintain compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Direct production planning, quality improvement, root cause analysis, and customer audit support.
• Strengthen preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, and long-term asset planning.
• Manage operating budgets, cost reduction initiatives, and capital investment planning.
• Coach plant leaders and drive Lean initiatives that improve OEE, yields, and workforce engagement.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least seven years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including success in a 24-hour operation.
• Strong knowledge of safety programs, quality systems, production planning, maintenance, and inventory control.
• Demonstrated team development, communication, analytical, and decision-making skills; proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Nonwovens or related industry experience, three years of plant-level leadership, Lean or Six Sigma certification, and OSHA PSM or ISO experience preferred.
• Ability to navigate manufacturing areas and elevated platforms, occasionally handle up to 50 pounds, travel occasionally, and address critical issues outside normal hours.

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Leadership responsibility across a multidisciplinary manufacturing team.
• Team culture focused on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunity to lead capital projects and operational innovation.