Plant Operations Manager – Glastonbury, CT

Employer Brand:

Highway Safety provides a culture of personal and professional achievement through learning, development, collaboration, deep care for each other, a passion for service, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Job Summary:

The Plant Operations Manager oversees the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the galvanizing and fabrication facility. This position manages daily production activities, supervises department leads, and ensures all operations meet quality, safety, and delivery standards. The Manager coordinates with internal teams—such as Sales, Purchasing, and Maintenance—to optimize production scheduling, control inventory, and support continuous improvement initiatives. This role also plays a key part in capital planning, process improvement, and maintaining a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for safe, efficient operation of the production facility (galvanizing and fabrication)               
• Manages Supervisors responsible for direct labor, material handling and shipping & receiving

• Responsible for scheduling production in coordination with sales/purchasing to produce stock and/or custom built-to-order components to support on-time delivery of sales order requirements while balancing needs of internal and external customers.
• Over sees the maintenance of building and equipment to ensure safe, reliable, consistent day-to-day operation.
• Assists with capital project planning and installations.
• Inventory and Material Control; controlling the integrity, accounting, proper storage and rotation, identification, and handling of all raw, wip and finished goods in our possession.
• Produces products that conform to all required specifications in accordance with all regulatory and owner requirements.
• Works with senior management team to drive continuous process improvements
• Extends Safety and Quality leadership through all areas of the operation.
• Ensures that the production facility maintains the supplies, consumables, and labor personnel to sustain day-to-day operations

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing, galvanizing, fabrication or industrial environment.
• Proven experience in production planning, quality assurance, and process improvement.
• Demonstrated success managing teams and driving performance in a fast-paced industrial setting.
• A plus but not required – Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop team members.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and production scheduling tools.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Physical and Safety Requirements:

• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting, carrying, and shoveling as needed.
• Must wear appropriate PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, and face shield.

Equal Opportunity Employer: