Plant Manager

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead a high-volume envelope printing and converting manufacturing operation. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, deep technical knowledge of envelope converting processes, and hands-on operational experience with both offset and flexographic printing technologies — specifically Jet Press and F.L. Smithe RA equipment.

This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations including production, safety, quality, maintenance, scheduling, inventory, continuous improvement, and workforce development. The Plant Manager will drive operational excellence while ensuring customer expectations, production targets, and financial objectives are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations for an envelope printing and converting facility producing commercial, transactional, direct mail, and specialty envelope products.

• Direct and manage production teams across printing, converting, finishing, shipping, and maintenance departments.

• Maintain operational expertise and oversight of Jet lithographic printing presses, Digital presses (iJetColor) and F.L. Smithe RA presses/converting equipment.

• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently while meeting quality, delivery, and cost objectives.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and other operational excellence methodologies.

• Monitor plant KPIs including OEE, waste/spoilage, labor efficiency, throughput, downtime, on-time delivery, and safety metrics.

• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.

• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Estimating, and Purchasing teams to optimize workflow and customer satisfaction.

• Ensure compliance with all OSHA, environmental, and company safety regulations.

• Lead hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning initiatives for plant personnel.

• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Manage plant budgets, labor utilization, inventory control, and operating expenses to achieve financial targets.

• Participate in strategic planning related to capacity, capital investments, automation, and operational scalability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience within the envelope converting, printing, or paper converting industry.

• Minimum 3–5 years in a Plant Manager or senior operations leadership role.

• Strong technical knowledge of offset printing processes, flexographic printing processes, envelope converting operations, and mailing/direct mail manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on experience operating and/or managing Jet printing equipment and F.L. Smithe RA presses/converting systems.

• Proven ability to lead high-volume manufacturing operations while improving efficiency, quality, and profitability.

• Experience managing union and/or non-union manufacturing environments preferred.

• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, production scheduling, and manufacturing reporting tools.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate cross-functional teams.

• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Envelope manufacturing and converting

• Direct mail production environments

• Paper converting and finishing operations

• High-speed production and continuous process manufacturing

• High-mix manufacturing environments

• Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred. Equivalent industry experience will be strongly considered.

Compensation & Benefits

• Performance bonus opportunity

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Career growth opportunities within a growing manufacturing organization

• Competitive base salary Salary Range Starts at $80K

Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider a successful candidate’s experience and other job-related factors.

Company Description

With hundreds of double window and special single window envelopes in stock, we can often ship same day. As the manufacturer, we can offer quick turn-around on your custom-made special envelopes. We specialize in many products for banking and financial institutions: drive-ups, coins, bank-by-mails, FDIC privacy tints, etc.

Northeastern Envelope Company has grown from a small printing business to a large commercial manufacturer of envelopes and brand name fine paper products. We stock a vast in-house inventory and can offer competitive pricing and fast service.

Full-time