Plant Manager

Troy, MI  |  Direct Hire  |  Compensation: Commensurate with experience

About the Company

Our client is a contract manufacturer specializing in cable assemblies, electromechanical assemblies, and box builds for defense, aerospace, robotics, and industrial markets. Founded in 1978, the company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and is IPC/WHMA-A-620 compliant. The Troy facility serves as a key production hub, delivering precision-built products to demanding government and commercial customers.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to oversee daily manufacturing operations at the Troy facility. This is a working leadership role — the right candidate is mechanically inclined, comfortable on the floor, and able to read prints and understand how things are built. Beyond day-to-day oversight, this person bridges production, quality, and engineering while maintaining the facility, tracking efficiencies, and leading the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all production operations, ensuring open orders are on schedule and any delays or bottlenecks are identified and addressed quickly
• Serve as the communication hub between production, quality, and engineering — escalating issues and driving resolution across functions
• Track and report production efficiencies; identify opportunities to improve throughput and reduce downtime
• Manage facility maintenance needs — identify equipment or building issues and coordinate repairs
• Lead HR-related responsibilities including team scheduling, performance, conflict resolution, and ensuring the team is working cohesively
• Support quality and compliance requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment (ISO 9001, IPC 620)
• Maintain a safe, organized, and productive shop floor environment

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a plant, operations, or production management role within a manufacturing environment
• Mechanically inclined — must be comfortable on the shop floor and able to understand how assemblies are built; ability to read engineering prints is strongly preferred
• Experience managing production schedules, tracking efficiencies, and driving on-time delivery
• Strong people management skills — experience leading a production team, resolving personnel issues, and fostering accountability
• Familiarity with quality and compliance requirements in a manufacturing setting (ISO 9001 experience preferred)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; able to manage competing priorities across production and facility needs
• A true team player and collaborative leader — someone who leads by example, builds trust on the floor, and brings the team together around shared goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering degree or technical trade background — not required, but a plus
• Hands-on background: candidates who rebuild engines, work on cars, or have similar mechanical hobbies are a strong cultural fit for this environment
• Experience in cable assembly, wire harness, or electromechanical manufacturing
• Familiarity with defense or aerospace production environments

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site leadership role at the Troy, MI facility. The Plant Manager is expected to be present on the floor daily and available to address production and facility needs as they arise. This is not a remote or hybrid position.