Guided Search Partners (GSP)
Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships.
We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

About the Opportunity
We’re partnering with a manufacturing operation in Indiana seeking a Plant Manager to lead the facility across safety, production, maintenance, continuous improvement, and administration. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for helping the plant operate safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while creating a positive work environment for employees. The role is a strong fit for a hands-on manufacturing leader who can direct plant operations, support teams at all levels, and use data to improve performance. It offers the chance to lead day-to-day execution while also overseeing broader initiatives tied to efficiency, customer needs, and capital projects.

What You’ll Do
Direct and coordinate the activities of the management staff across Safety, Production, Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, and Administration, including Finance and HR. You’ll be responsible for maximizing plant output in a safe and cost-effective manner while identifying inefficiencies in areas such as waste, production planning, and preventive maintenance. This role also provides technical and administrative leadership to the facility and direct oversight of capital projects. You’ll work closely with staff and hourly employees to keep operations moving, resolve issues, and support a safe, efficient, and positive environment. Communication with supply chain partners is also an important part of the role to help service customer needs.

Who You Are
You are a manufacturing leader who knows how to balance plant performance, team leadership, and operational discipline. You are comfortable working across departments, communicating at all levels of the organization, and helping teams stay focused on safety, efficiency, and customer expectations. You are also someone who can use data to drive improvement, navigate change effectively, and bring structure to a fast-moving operation. This role is a strong fit for a self-starter who is resourceful, organized, and able to lead both people and process.

Preferred Experience & Attributes

• 8 to 10 years of manufacturing experience
• 5 to 7 years in a leadership position
• Experience with statistical tools and methodologies
• Knowledge of quality methods and basic financial principles
• Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
• Customer-focused mindset
• Proficiency with MS Office, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Self-starter who is resourceful, organized, and able to manage change
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or equivalent preferred
• Molded fiber experience preferred
• Lean Six Sigma / 5S experience preferred

Why This Role Matters
This role is central to the success of the facility. The Plant Manager helps drive safe operations, plant output, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement while providing leadership across multiple functional areas. It is an opportunity to make a visible impact on both plant performance and the employee experience. For the right leader, this role offers the chance to guide daily operations, support long-term improvement efforts, and help ensure the facility is positioned to meet customer needs effectively.