What does a Plant Manager do?
A plant manager is responsible for the entire operations of a manufacturing plant. This includes the management and coordination of daily activities to ensure high performance and production at all times. Other duties include ensuring company policies and procedures are followed as well as assisting in the onboarding process of new hires and providing training and educational materials to staff members. Depending on the industry, career advancements for a plant manager may result in a directorial or executive position.
Although a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business or engineering is required to be a plant manager, larger companies may require a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree of their managers. Good candidates for the job display strong understanding of regulatory requirements for operating plants to ensure policies and procedures are adhered to and often possess excellent communication skills and leadership attributes. Due to the nature of the job, a plant manager must be physically able to sit, stand and walk around for long periods at a time.
- Direct and coordinate daily operations of the manufacturing plant
- Oversee all levels of staff activity and performance
- Develop processes to increase productivity and enhance performance
- Ensure company policies and procedures are followed at all times
- Screen, interview and manage the onboarding process of new hires
- Provide training and educational materials to staff as necessary
- Monitor equipment and ensure that they are in good working order
- Repair or replace plant equipment as needed
- Proven experience working in plant operations required
- Good understanding of regulatory requirements for operating plants
- Strong aptitude for root cause analysis and troubleshooting operational issues
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and computer technology
- Familiar with operating plant equipment safely and efficiently
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong leadership and managerial attributes. Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
- Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
- Able to sit, stand and walk around for long periods at a time
Plant Manager Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Plant Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Plant Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Plant Manager Insights
Fort Wayne Metals“We do our best to serve our customers while providing a good environment for our employees.”
Infarm“People are really nice and thoughtful.”
Aramark“It was truly amazing how one person was able to manipulate an entire team of intelligent professionals!”
CHI“great opportunity to grow as a leader and for your career”
Darigold“Great career opportunities as salaried turnover is incredibly high.”
TWI Foods“Long hours sometimes but overall is good.”
HM.CLAUSE“French management style is difficult to adapt to.”
Midwest Manufacturing“You really have to thread the needle here if you don't want to lose bonus pay.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of plant managers
The typical workday of a plant manager involves some combination of employee supervision, overseeing machine and equipment operation, coordinating equipment repairs, developing production schedules, assigning employee work shifts, ensuring safety protocols are met, scrutinizing and adjusting production costs, coordinating with management, and overseeing quality control.
Plant managers are typically busy and active at work, which suits an enthusiastic and outgoing personality. They oversee a variety of operations, which means that the work is diverse and rarely repetitive. Plant managers are highly valued members of a manufacturing facility's team. They keep the operation running smoothly and manage costs.
Yes, plant managers are very well paid for their managerial skills. In Canada, on average, plant managers are paid $128,713, and highly experienced plant managers can make as much as $176,675. Their compensation is similar to supervisory roles in other industries.
Because they are responsible for so many different facets of production, working as a plant manager can be a stressful job. The plant manager needs to be able to make quick decisions, solve problems all day, and make difficult choices about budget and staff cuts when needed. The job usually demands a fair amount of physical movement around the different parts of the facility.