Plant Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWhy work for us?Alkegen brings together two of the world's leading specialty materials companies to create one new, innovation-driven leader focused on battery technologies, filtration media, and specialty insulation and sealing materials. Through global reach and breakthrough inventions, we're delivering products that enable the world to breathe easier, live greener, and go further than ever before. With over 60 manufacturing facilities with a global workforce of over 9,000 of the industry's most experienced talent, including insulation and filtration experts, Alkegen is uniquely positioned to help customers impact the environment in meaningful ways.Alkegen offers a range of dynamic career opportunities with globe-spanning reach. From production operators to engineers, technicians to specialists, sales to leadership, we're always looking for top talent ready to bring their best. Come grow with usKey Responsibilities Operational LeadershipOversee and coordinates operations across the Virginia plant, ensuring alignment of processes, standards, and results.Ensure the plant delivers on key performance indicators while leveraging synergies between the plants.Utilisation of best manufacturing practices and ensures consistent execution of operating procedures.Driving rigorous Daily/Weekly/Monthly Management System ensuring we meet/beat key KPI's across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Improvement and People.Strategic Alignment & ExecutionTranslate business unit strategy into plant-level Must Win Battle Plans for the plant with clearly defined goals.Lead the implementation of strategic projects such as capital investments, product transfers, or capability expansions across the plant.Align resources and capabilities to support business growth, customer expectations, and future capacity requirements.Develop 'brands' for the Virginia location leveraging capability to best serve the customers as efficiently as possibleDeveloping and implementing an annual business plan in support of overall company objectives; meeting all financial objectives defined in the annual plant business plan.Partner with Commercial, R&D and New Product Introduction functions in new product development, product launches and improvements.Drive the site through all the levels of maturity via the Nexon processSafety, Compliance & Risk ManagementLeading safety for the plant with rigor and conviction consistent with safety as our number one valueStandardize EHS processes and ensure proactive risk management through audits, behavioural safety, and training.Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems.Oversee environmental management performance, including waste reduction, emissions control, regulatory compliance, and site-level sustainability initiatives.Lead cross-functional risk management efforts, identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational, environmental, and compliance risks across the facilities.Maintain an effective property conservation program encompassing fire protection, emergency preparedness, loss control, preventive maintenance and finished goods supplies and fixed asset inventory management and control.Financial & Cost ManagementDeliver budgeted performance, including cost per unit, inventory control, labour efficiency, and waste reduction.Lead cost-savings initiatives and track impact across both operations, leveraging cross-site benchmarks.Drive capital planning and ensure ROI on investment projects are realized.Partner with plant Finance Lead to ensure cost and productivity targets are met, weekly/monthly forecasts are accurate, and financial walks are developed and analysed with appropriate corrective actions executed to meet commitments.Leadership & DevelopmentLead and coach the plant leadership teams, creating strong accountability and a performance-oriented culture.Build plant leadership capability, including succession planning and development of future leaders.Drive effective organizational design and workforce planning to support operational needs and future growth.Own the recruitment, selection, and onboarding process for key site roles, ensuring the right talent is hired, aligned with culture and capability requirements.Customer & Quality AssuranceEnsure consistent product quality and customer service levels.Partner with commercial and quality teams to support new product launches and resolve customer issues efficiently.Lead customer audits and ensure both plants maintain required certifications (ISO, IATF, etc.).Champion robust problem solving techniques and methodologies to ensure sustainable improvements are implementedContinuous Improvement & PurchasingDrive cost efficiency, ensuring delivery of annual financial targets related to conversion costs, material usage, waste, and labour productivity.Lead and embed a continuous improvement culture, using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving to eliminate waste and optimize process flow.Identify, prioritize, and execute cost-saving initiatives, ensuring clear ownership, measurable impact, and sustainable results.Oversee local purchasing activity to ensure alignment with strategic sourcing, cost control, and supplier performance expectations and partner with corporate and regional teams to leverage economies of scale, manage vendor relationships, and support make-vs-buy decisions.Essential Qualifications, Experience and Skills 10+ years of manufacturing leadership, including 5+ years as a Plant ManagerStrong record of delivering results across multiple key performance indicators in a complex or matrixed environmentBachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; Master's preferredDeep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence systemsStrong financial acumen, able to see cause and effect between operational decisions and financial outcomes; solid understanding of the impact of operating metrics on income statement, and cash flow. Prior P&L experience is requiredDemonstrates hands on experience of implementing ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems or can demonstrate a solid understanding of each requirement.Demonstrates strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire, engage, and hold teams accountable.Highly analytical and data-driven; able to interpret metrics and results and drive fact-based decision-making.Comfortable operating in fast-paced, complex environments with competing priorities.Demonstrates an ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.Skilled in talent selection, team development, and succession planning.Strong business acumen, including understanding of supply chain, procurement, and financial levers in manufacturing.A results-oriented management style; able to create a clear expectation and accountability system throughout the plant; proven change management skillsDemonstrates sophisticated communication skills (oral, written and presentation), able to effectively interact with all levels of the plant and wider Alkegen enterprise.