Competencies and Duties: Plant Operations Manager
About Us
Action Floor Systems is a leader in sport floor systems and flooring and subfloor manufacturing. Action is known for innovation and customer service with an outstanding brand. We are committed to excellence, ethical practices, and fostering a supportive work environment. As we continue our growth journey, we are seeking a results-driven and hands-on Plant Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing operations.
Position Summary
The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, and production goals are achieved. This role is ultimately accountable for the quality of products produced and the efficiency of plant operations. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, operational expertise, and a continuous improvement mindset to support the company’s performance and long-term growth. Plants Operations Manager sets the tone for how work gets done in the plant.
Core Competencies
Functional
- Solid, working knowledge of manufacturing operations, especially in wood products or similar environments.
- Understands production flow—from raw material through milling, packaging, handling, and shipping.
- Able to read production reports, spot problems early, and make practical adjustments.
- Strong understanding of quality standards and what it takes to produce a consistent, high-end product.
- Working knowledge of plant equipment, including automated systems and material handling.
- Focused on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and keeping production moving.
- Understanding of safety regulations (OSHA), quality standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Managing Self
- Leads by example in work ethic, attitude, and professionalism.
- Keeps commitments and follows through.
- Stays open to new ideas and better ways of doing things.
- Supports company decisions publicly and privately.
- Communicates directly—talks with people, not about them.
- Takes responsibility for results and owns both successes and mistakes.
- Continuously builds knowledge of manufacturing, equipment, and industry best practices.
Managerial
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, develop, and hold accountable supervisors and plant personnel.
- Is visible on the plant floor and able to lend a hand.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple activities across operations.
- Skilled in workforce planning, scheduling, and ensuring appropriate staffing levels to meet production needs.
- Ability to foster collaboration across production departments and HR, Finance, and Continuous Improvement.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Protects confidential information and handles employee matters appropriately.
Morals & Ethics
- Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and sound judgment in all operational decisions.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and compliant workplace environment.
- Strong work ethic and dedication to achieving company goals and supporting team success.
- Ensures fairness and consistency in employee management, including performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.
Personality Type
- Hands-on leader who leads by example and earns respect through actions and decisions.
- Strong communicator who is approachable, clear, and effective with all levels of the organization.
- Problem-solver with a practical mindset and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Motivational and team-oriented, capable of building a positive and productive work culture.
- Highly dependable, adaptable, and results-focused.
With Employees
- Treats employees with respect and consistency.
- Listens to understand—not just to respond.
- Sets clear expectations and holds people accountable.
- Addresses performance issues directly and in a timely manner.
- Recognizes good work and supports team development.
- Promotes a safe work environment and makes safety a daily priority.
- Creates a workplace where people know what is expected and have what they need to succeed.
With Peers and Leadership
- Communicates openly and promptly with leadership and other departments.
- Works closely with HR, Finance, and Continuous Improvement to improve results.
- Shares information, updates, and challenges early—no surprises.
- Supports team decisions and holds peers accountable respectfully.
- Offers help when needed and asks for help when needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, scheduling, quality control, and workforce management.
- Plan, organize, and direct manufacturing activities to ensure efficient and effective operations aligned with company goals.
- Monitor production performance and adjust operations as needed to meet output, quality, and cost targets.
- Collaborate with HR, the CFO/Controller, and the Continuous Improvement Officer to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance safety.
- Lead, train, and develop supervisors and plant employees, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions including terminations, and personnel development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and proactively promote a safe working environment through training, inspections, and incident investigations.
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure proper documentation of operations.
- Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly production reports to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain open communication with company leadership, providing updates on operational performance and key initiatives.
- Coordinate workforce scheduling and ensure adequate staffing to support production requirements.
- Conduct regular safety and quality inspections and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
- Lead by example in professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to company values. Set the example for work ethic, attitude and commitment to quality and safety.
Qualifications
- Prefer minimum of five years of experience in manufacturing or plant operations, with supervisory responsibilities, preferably in wood products or related field.
- High school diploma required; additional technical or industry-related training a positive.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to make sound operational decisions and solve complex problems and day-to-day operations.
- Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and interpret operational performance metrics.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and general office systems.
- Commitment to professional development and staying current with industry practices.
