Werksleiter (m/w/d)

Job Description

Sol-Ark is a rapidly growing and innovative leader in the renewable energy industry. As our manufacturing operations continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to help elevate our manufacturing organization to the next level.

This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys building organizations, developing high-performing teams, and implementing world-class manufacturing processes. The successful candidate will bring the operational discipline, organizational maturity, and leadership necessary to establish best-in-class manufacturing practices while remaining actively involved in their implementation. At Sol-Ark, leaders are expected to provide strategic direction, roll up their sleeves, and work alongside their teams to execute and continuously improve our manufacturing operations.

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven success leading manufacturing operations in a high-growth environment.
• Experience implementing and sustaining world-class manufacturing systems and operational disciplines.
• The ability to bring organizational maturity and structure to a rapidly growing manufacturing operation.
• A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to lead by example and actively participate in execution.
• Strong leadership, accountability, and a passion for developing people, improving processes, and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity targets.
• Lead plant leadership teams across production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and related support functions.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align plant operations with business goals and continuous improvement objectives.
• Develop and execute operating plans, production strategies, staffing plans, and performance objectives aligned with company goals.
• Monitor plant KPIs, analyze operational trends, and implement corrective actions to improve throughput, efficiency, and service levels.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, regulatory, and quality requirements while promoting a strong culture of accountability and safe work practices.
• Oversee cost control, budget management, labor utilization, and financial performance for the facility.
• Partner with supply chain, engineering, maintenance, quality, HR, and finance to resolve issues and improve performance.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related methods to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase capacity.
• Review equipment reliability, maintenance performance, and support preventive maintenance and capital improvement priorities to maximize uptime.
• Oversee warranty and service repair processes to ensure quick turnaround times and high customer satisfaction.
• Provide leadership in workforce planning, hiring, coaching, succession planning, performance management, and employee development.
• Prepare and present operational results, risks, and improvement plans to senior leadership.
• Lead procurement activities and supplier negotiations to secure high-quality materials at the best prices.
• Oversee shipping & receiving processes to ensure accurate material receipts, timely customer product deliveries, and manage relationships with transportation providers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, business, manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered depending on the organization and industry.
• Minimum of 7-10+ years of progressive manufacturing or plant leadership experience, including prior responsibility for plant-level performance and team leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading safety, quality, productivity, and cost improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience in production management, ERP systems, inventory control, procurement, logistics, and warehouse operations.
• Strong knowledge of production systems, plant operations, KPI management, budgeting, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead managers and supervisors, make sound decisions, and drive results through cross-functional teams.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and performance-based bonus program, medical, dental, vision, accidental, FSA, HSA, Paid Time Off (PTO), and 401(k).