Plant ManagerLocation: Sardis, MS – Manufacturing Plant Reports To: Vice President – ManufacturingDirect Reports: Full plant leadership team including Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Warehouse/Logistics, and administrative supportEmployment Type: Full-time/Salaried, ExemptRemote/Hybrid/In-Office: On-SiteTravel: Minimal occasional travel to other CREO Group locations and leadership meetingsRelocation: Relocation assistance available for qualified candidatesPosition OverviewThe Plant Manager is the senior operational leader responsible for the overall performance, profitability, safety, and culture of CREO Group's Sardis, Mississippi manufacturing facility — a high-volume, 24/7 plastics injection molding operation totaling approximately 200,000 square feet.This role carries full P&L ownership and accountability for all aspects of plant operations including production performance, labor management, cost control, quality, maintenance, inventory, customer service, safety, and employee engagement. The Plant Manager is expected to operate as the business leader for the site, driving operational excellence while building a high-performance, accountability-based culture aligned with CREO's values and strategic objectives.This is a critical turnaround and transformation leadership opportunity requiring a strong, hands-on manufacturing executive capable of leading a complex operation with urgency, discipline, and strategic focus. The successful candidate will deliver measurable improvements in throughput, OEE, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, customer service, safety performance, and overall financial results while developing a sustainable operational culture that supports long-term growth.The ideal candidate will bring deep plastics manufacturing expertise, preferably within injection molding environments, and possess proven success leading large-scale, multi-shift manufacturing operations in fast-paced industrial settings.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & 24/7 Manufacturing OversightProvide overall leadership and direction for a 24/7 manufacturing operation producing high-volume plastic injection molded productsEnsure safe, efficient, and profitable operation across all shifts, departments, and functional areasEstablish disciplined operational management systems including KPI reviews, production accountability processes, shift communication routines, and escalation protocolsDrive significant improvements in throughput, machine utilization, OEE, scrap reduction, downtime, labor productivity, and schedule attainmentLead capacity planning, staffing optimization, and operational readiness to support customer demand and business growthPartner closely with engineering, maintenance, and supply chain functions to maximize equipment uptime and operational reliabilityFull P&L Ownership & Financial ManagementMaintain full responsibility for plant P&L performance including labor, materials, overhead, conversion costs, inventory, and contribution marginDevelop and execute annual operating budgets, forecasts, and productivity plansDrive aggressive cost reduction and operational efficiency initiatives while maintaining safety and quality standardsAnalyze operational and financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvementPartner with finance leadership to deliver accurate forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reportingEnsure disciplined inventory management and working capital controlSafety, Compliance & Risk ManagementChampion a world-class safety culture with zero-injury expectations across all levels of the organizationLead all plant safety initiatives in partnership with Environmental, Health & Safety leadershipEnsure compliance with OSHA, environmental, regulatory, and company standardsDrive accountability for safe work practices, incident prevention, corrective actions, and employee engagement in safety programsLead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementationMaintain strong housekeeping, 5S, and facility standards throughout the operationLeadership Development & CultureBuild, coach, and develop a high-performing plant leadership team focused on accountability, ownership, and continuous improvementCreate a performance-driven culture that emphasizes teamwork, urgency, communication, and operational disciplineRecruit, retain, and develop strong operational talent across salaried and hourly teamsProvide direct leadership and performance management for all department leadersAddress performance issues decisively and consistently while reinforcing company values and expectationsPromote positive employee relations and engagement throughout the facilityContinuous Improvement & Operational ExcellenceLead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across all functional areasDrive waste elimination, process optimization, labor efficiency, and standardization initiativesIdentify and implement automation, process improvements, and operational best practicesExecute capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility improvement initiativesEstablish metric-driven accountability systems and visual management processes throughout the plantQuality & Customer PerformanceEnsure consistent product quality and compliance with customer specificationsDrive rapid root-cause identification and corrective action implementation for quality concernsPartner with commercial and customer service teams to support customer satisfaction and on-time delivery performanceMaintain strong internal and external customer relationships through operational execution and responsivenessQualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related technical field requiredMinimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, blow molding, or similar high-volume industrial operationsProven experience leading large-scale, multi-shift manufacturing operations with full P&L responsibilityDemonstrated success improving operational performance within complex manufacturing environmentsStrong background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational turnaround initiativesExperience managing large hourly workforces in a 24/7 manufacturing environment requiredCore CompetenciesStrong hands-on manufacturing leadership style with high operational visibility and engagementProven ability to drive accountability and execution in fast-paced manufacturing environmentsExcellent financial acumen and understanding of manufacturing cost driversStrong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilitiesAbility to influence and lead change across all levels of the organizationExcellent communication and leadership presenceHigh sense of urgency with strong organizational and prioritization skillsAbility to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational executionCommitment to safety, quality, and operational excellenceWork EnvironmentThis position operates within a manufacturing environment with regular exposure to moving mechanical equipment, forklifts, elevated noise levels, heat, and varying temperatures.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE) includes safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear.The Plant Manager must maintain a visible floor presence and routinely engage directly with production teams across all shifts.Who We AreCREO Group is a leading consumer product, nursery, and greenhouse supply company. While others make plastic, we build relationships. As both a full-service designer and manufacturer, we offer a wide range of national and private-label products while delivering the flexibility, quality, and innovation our partners expect.At CREO, work is more than a job — it's a journey.
Guided by our mission is to be the market-leading provider of innovative container solutions that enhance everyday living by partnering with our customers to deliver best-in-class, high-quality, and environmentally responsible products through disciplined operational execution. Powered by an engaged, high-performing team, we create enduring value for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.Being part of CREO means joining a community that celebrates collaboration and thrives on the diverse strengths of our people. You'll work alongside colleagues who bring unique experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, and together, we'll achieve more than we could alone.