Albany
About the Client Our client is a well-established manufacturing company specializing in industrial production. We value employees who contribute to smooth supply chain operations while maintaining high standards. The work environment is hands-on, fast-paced, and focused on delivering results while fostering teamwork and continuous improvement. Role Overview: The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and scheduling, ensuring performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This role will play a critical part in supporting ongoing investments and driving operational transformation at the facility. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong experience in manufacturing operations, team leadership, and process optimization, with full ownership of plant performance, cost control, and workforce development. The ideal candidate is a strategic operator who can also execute at a tactical level in a fast-paced environment. Job Requirements: • 7+ years of experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably within paperboard, packaging, or related industries., • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical preferred) or related field., • Proven track record managing plant operations, including driving both short- and long-term performance improvements., • Strong experience with LEAN manufacturing, continuous improvement, and high-performance teams., • Solid understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis., • Experience managing cross-functional teams, including production, maintenance, engineering, and scheduling., • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and change management skills., • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment., • Strong communication skills with the ability to engage across all levels of the organization., • Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred. Personal Attributes / Skills: • Strong leadership presence with the ability to build trust and high-performing teams., • Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally across the organization., • Results-driven with a strong sense of accountability and ownership., • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines., • Adaptable and resilient in changing environments., • Growth mindset with willingness to learn and improve processes., • Strong cultural alignment with values centered on teamwork, integrity, and performance. Key Responsibilities: • Lead plant operations: Oversee daily activities, including production output, product quality, and on-time delivery., • Drive strategic execution: Develop and implement quarterly plans aligned with operational and business objectives., • Optimize performance: Improve production capacity, efficiency, and cost control while maintaining quality standards., • Manage resources: Allocate people, equipment, and materials effectively to maximize productivity., • Monitor operations: Oversee plant performance across shifts and implement corrective actions as needed., • Improve systems and processes: Develop and implement operational processes that enhance efficiency and sustainability., • Collaborate cross-functionally: Work with leadership and corporate teams on new products, equipment, and process improvements., • Build team culture: Foster a high-performance, accountable, and engaged workforce aligned with company values., • Develop workforce: Partner with HR to recruit, train, and retain talent across all levels of the plant., • Support safety and compliance: Strengthen safety, manufacturing, and maintenance programs through training and process improvements., • Address operational challenges: Proactively resolve employee and operational issues to maintain performance., • Support business initiatives: Partner with finance, quality, and supply chain on projects and continuous improvement efforts., • Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Additional Information: • Oversight includes production management, maintenance, plant engineering, and scheduling teams., • Minimal travel required., • Flexibility to support off-shift operations as needed. About Grit Staffing and HR Solutions: GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is a boutique recruiting and HR consulting firm founded and led by seasoned Senior HR leaders. We partner with top companies to place high-performing professionals in legal, HR, supply chain, operations, and C-Suite corporate roles. Unlike traditional recruiters, we act as strategic partners and extensions of our clients’ teams, leveraging our deep HR expertise to support talent strategy, workforce planning, and organizational growth. By combining hands-on experience with agility and insight, we help companies build strong, high-performing teams that drive business success. GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at so we can assist you.