Job Description
Job Description
Ventek Solutions (Ventek) is a leading manufacturer specializing in engineered shape molded foam components, protective packaging, and multi-material assembly solutions. The organization helps customers address complex challenges in product protection, component light-weighting, insulation, and design simplification. Ventek’s services span a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, electronics, medical, and more. Ventek Solutions leverages creative design, thoughtful engineering, and meticulous program management to deliver customized solutions. Ventek operates 8 plants in the US and Mexico with corporate headquarters in Charleston, SC.
In 2024, Black Diamond Capital Management acquired the Protective Solutions segment of Sonoco Products Company, rebranding the business as Ventek Solutions LLC. This acquisition encompassed the existing manufacturing footprint along with the embedded design engineering, program management, and commercial resources. As Ventek Solutions, we are dedicated to maintaining our advanced capabilities in creative design, thoughtful engineering, meticulous program management, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced and driven Plant Manager to join our team in our Shelbyville, KY manufacturing plant.
We are seeking a high energy and experienced Plant Manager to lead all aspects of operations for an expanded plastics molding facility. This role is responsible for achieving safety, quality, production, and financial objectives while fostering a high-performance culture built on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have proven success managing full P&L responsibility and developing strong, engaged teams that consistently deliver operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all plant operations, including safety, quality, production, maintenance, and procurement, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Own full P&L accountability, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and driving profitability.
- Develop and execute corporate strategic operational plans to achieve output, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
- Champion a leadership-first culture, building and developing high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and clear performance expectations.
- Establish and enforce a safety-first environment, ensuring compliance with OSHA and all applicable regulatory requirements.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to optimize productivity and efficiency.
- Partner cross-functionally with human resources, finance, engineering, supply chain, and corporate leadership to ensure operational alignment and support business growth.
- Analyze operational metrics, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions to achieve sustained performance improvements.
- Serve as a visible, hands-on leader who engages with employees daily to reinforce company values, address challenges, and celebrate successes.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (required).
- Minimum 8–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience, including P&L ownership.
- Proven ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate operational performance into financial outcomes.
- Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Hands-on, visible leadership style with a proven record of engaging employees at all levels.
- Experience in plastics manufacturing preferred but not required.