Plant Manager – Heavy Industrial Manufacturing

Location: Paris, TX

Industry: Industrial Manufacturing

Position Overview

Headwaters Talent Advisors is partnering with an established industrial manufacturing organization to identify an experienced Plant Manager for its operations in Paris, Texas.

This position will provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, with responsibility for production, maintenance, quality, safety, workforce development, and financial performance. The Plant Manager will play a critical role in driving operational efficiency, strengthening organizational capabilities, and ensuring the facility consistently meets production and customer expectations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in heavy industrial manufacturing, proven leadership experience, and a hands-on approach to managing complex production environments. This individual should be comfortable balancing day-to-day operational priorities with longer-term initiatives focused on continuous improvement, employee development, and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for daily plant operations, ensuring production, quality, safety, and financial objectives are achieved.
• Oversee manufacturing activities, maintenance operations, quality assurance, and other plant functions to ensure operational alignment and efficiency.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that improve productivity, equipment utilization, cost management, and overall facility performance.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production output, quality, safety, downtime, and operational efficiency.
• Lead production planning and resource allocation efforts to ensure customer requirements and delivery commitments are consistently met.
• Manage plant operating budgets, monitor expenses, and identify opportunities to improve profitability and financial performance.
• Evaluate equipment reliability, maintenance practices, and capital investment needs to support long-term operational effectiveness.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable workplace safety standards and company policies.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturing processes.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and strengthening operational performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers, supervisors, and other plant personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations, promote accountability, and foster a collaborative, results-oriented work environment.
• Support workforce planning, employee development, and succession planning initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish operational priorities, evaluate performance, and support broader organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in heavy industrial manufacturing, with a strong understanding of complex production operations.
• Approximately 10 or more years of progressive manufacturing experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or in a comparable senior manufacturing leadership position.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple departments and manage both hourly and salaried personnel.
• Strong understanding of production planning, maintenance operations, quality management, and industrial safety.
• Experience managing operating budgets, controlling costs, and contributing to overall plant financial performance.
• Ability to analyze operational data, establish performance metrics, and implement measurable process improvements.
• Strong technical aptitude and the ability to work effectively with engineering and maintenance teams.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Leadership Responsibilities

The Plant Manager will be responsible for developing and leading a high-performing manufacturing organization, providing direction to department leaders and ensuring alignment across all operational functions.

This individual will be expected to establish clear expectations, develop leadership capabilities throughout the facility, and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Success in this position will require a visible, hands-on leadership style and the ability to build strong relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.