Reports to:   Vice President of Operations                                

Department:  Manufacturing

Classification: Exempt                                                      

Travel: up to 15%   

JOB SUMMARY:

The Plant Manager will develop, oversee and implement cost-effective manufacturing operations, with a primary emphasis on employing people who are blind or vision impaired. They will provide leadership and direction for achieving and meeting the overall goals and objectives of the organization, as aligned with corporate vision, mission, values and strategic planning.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages and leads all Manufacturing Operations, including supervision of managers, supervisors, and leads, ensuring alignment with both operational performance and AbilityOne mission objectives.
• Drives profitability by product line, including ownership of product-level P&L, cost structure, pricing strategy, and margin optimization across AbilityOne and commercial contracts.
• Ensures full compliance with AbilityOne Program requirements, including CNA (e.g., SourceAmerica/NIB) guidelines, federal contracting regulations, and customer-specific contract requirements.
• Partners with Finance and Contracts teams to align pricing with contract structures, wage determinations, and compliance requirements while maintaining sustainable margins.
• Develops and executes continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost efficiency, labor optimization (including direct labor mix), and margin expansion while supporting employment outcomes for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
• Establishes short- and long-term operational strategies, including capacity planning, contract fulfillment, and product mix optimization across government and commercial business lines.
• Maintains a safe and compliant work environment in accordance with OSHA, ISO standards, Aerospace Certifications, and AbilityOne program requirements.
• Oversees production planning and execution to ensure on-time delivery and contract compliance for federal customers, including DLA and other government agencies.
• Leads annual budget development and ongoing financial management, including detailed variance analysis by contract and product line, ensuring accountability for revenue, cost, and profitability targets.
• Monitors external factors including DLA forecasts, government funding changes, and supply chain dynamics, proactively adjusting operations to mitigate risk and protect financial performance.
• Tracks and improves key operational KPIs, including cost per unit, labor efficiency, direct labor ratios (AbilityOne compliance), scrap, yield, on-time delivery, and product-level margins.
• Leads workforce development with a focus on training, performance management, and advancement opportunities for employees who are blind or visually impaired, aligning operational success with mission impact.
• Designs and implements performance management and recognition programs that reinforce both operational excellence and mission achievement.
• Demonstrates leadership consistent with organizational core values, balancing mission delivery with financial sustainability.

Performs additional duties and leads strategic initiatives as assigned, including cost optimization, contract expansion, and operational transformation efforts.