Plant Manager - Manufacturing

Company Overview

Our client operates in a contract manufacturing and industrial manufacturing environment focused on fabrication, welding, assembly, electrical integration, and coating of complex modular systems. Our high-mix, engineered-to-order production environment requires disciplined execution, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and scalable operational leadership to support rapid growth and production demands across large-scale manufacturing facilities.

Position Overview

Uptalent is seeking a Plant Manager – Manufacturing to lead full-site operations at our Monclova, Mexico facility. The Plant Manager will oversee Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, Value Stream Managers, and Supervisors while driving performance across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint operations. This Plant Manager role is responsible for full operational execution, scaling production, and delivering against throughput, quality, safety, and on-time delivery in a contract manufacturing environment.

This role owns a large-scale manufacturing P&L ($100M+) and requires strong financial leadership, operational discipline, and experience scaling manufacturing operations in industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Leadership & Manufacturing Operations

• Lead full-site manufacturing operations as a Plant Manager across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint
• Oversee Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, Value Stream Managers, and Supervisors across all production functions
• Drive execution in a high-mix, engineered-to-order contract manufacturing environment
• Ensure alignment of production schedules, system integration activities, and Bill of Materials (BOM) execution across all departments
• Scale operations to support production growth, capacity expansion, and facility performance

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead enterprise Lean Manufacturing initiatives including 5S, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement programs across the plant
• Apply Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, and Fishbone methodologies to eliminate defects and improve performance
• Drive plant-wide improvements in throughput, cycle time, and operational efficiency
• Standardize processes and scale best practices across fabrication, welding, assembly, electrical, and paint operations

KPI Ownership & Operational Performance

• Own plant-level KPIs including on-time delivery, on-time release, inventory turns, throughput, safety, and quality
• Drive ISO9001 compliance and ensure quality systems are embedded across all manufacturing functions
• Improve defect rates, reduce rework, and increase production stability
• Establish performance accountability across all levels of the organization

Financial Ownership & P&L Management

• Own and manage a large manufacturing P&L ($100M+), including cost control, labor efficiency, and operational spend
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization strategies
• Drive margin improvement through operational efficiency, waste reduction, and process optimization
• Monitor cost drivers including labor, material utilization, and overhead

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Lead plant-wide safety performance, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and internal safety protocols
• Maintain a strong safety culture with measurable KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001 and internal quality standards across all operations

Cross-Functional Alignment

• Partner with Engineering to resolve system integration challenges, fitment issues, and design improvements
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to ensure material availability, BOM accuracy, and inventory performance
• Work with Quality to enforce standards and drive corrective actions
• Align with Program Management to support production schedules and delivery commitments

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build and lead a high-performing manufacturing organization across all production functions
• Develop Manufacturing Managers, Production Managers, and Supervisors to drive operational excellence
• Establish leadership accountability and performance standards across the plant
• Support workforce development including technical training, certifications, and leadership growth

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles including Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or Manufacturing Manager
• Extensive experience managing large-scale manufacturing P&L ($100M+)
• Experience in contract manufacturing and industrial manufacturing environments
• Strong background across fabrication, welding, industrial assembly, electrical integration, and paint operations
• Proven experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma initiatives
• Experience managing plant-level KPIs including throughput, inventory turns, on-time delivery, safety, and quality
• Strong operational and financial leadership experience in high-mix, engineered-to-order manufacturing environments
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Monclova, Mexico or Monterrey, Mexico for a hybrid role
• Eligible to work in Mexico

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience scaling manufacturing operations in high-growth environments
• Experience with automation, welding robots, or advanced manufacturing processes
• Certified welder or electrician credential a plus
• Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification, or experience with structured problem-solving methodologies
• Experience in data center manufacturing or infrastructure projects
• Experience in generator manufacturing
• Experience in switchgear or electrical equipment manufacturing
• Experience in BESS (battery energy storage systems) or battery systems manufacturing
• Experience in modular construction or modular manufacturing
• Experience in steel and metal fabrication manufacturing environments

Benefits

• What We Offer
• The opportunity to work with leading and fast-growing companies across the North American market.
• Highly competitive compensation for top talent.
• A stable, long-term position with strong growth opportunities and the chance to continue developing your career.