Heat Treat Plant Manager

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Heat Treat Plant Manager to oversee daily operations at our facility in the Detroit, MI area. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with deep technical knowledge of heat treat processes, a commitment to safety and quality, and experience managing production teams, including operators and maintenance staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all plant operations, including production scheduling, equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and team performance.

• Supervise a team of approximately 20 employees, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

• Ensure heat treatment processes meet internal and customer quality standards, including metallurgy specifications and hardness requirements.

• Maintain strict adherence to all safety, environmental, and operational protocols.

• Work closely with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure on-time delivery of quality products.

• Oversee preventative maintenance programs and work collaboratively with maintenance personnel to minimize downtime.

• Monitor KPIs and implement process improvements to drive operational efficiency, reduce scrap, and optimize labor and materials usage.

• Train, coach, and evaluate team members; support employee development and succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in heat treat operations, preferably in a manufacturing environment producing small parts.

• Prior leadership experience managing production teams; union experience a plus.

• Strong knowledge of heat treat equipment (e.g., furnaces, quench systems), metallurgy, and related processes.

• Working knowledge of ISO/TS quality standards and lean manufacturing principles.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.

• Certifications in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or equivalent a plus.

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or heavy industrial manufacturing environments.

Work Environment:

• This position requires frequent presence on the plant floor.

• May require occasional evening or weekend work to support production schedules.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

• 401(k) with company match.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.