Plant Manager
Description
Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), is seeking a Plant Manager for our Mt Pleasant, IA` manufacturing facility. We are the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of hearth products, including a wide variety of gas, electric, wood and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and accessories.
Headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota, with distribution around the world, our innovative approach is supported by a business unit structure that allows us to develop and market products with a strong focus on customers’ needs. Since 1996, we’ve been dedicated to connecting people through the warmth and comfort of our hearth products.
As one of our four core business units, the Stove Business Unit brings together top brands such as Harman, Vermont Castings, and Quadra-Fire, now united under one as Forge & Flame, alongside other stove brands. This unit focuses on delivering high-quality, reliable stove solutions, including wood, pellet, and gas models.
Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, this role leads all aspects of site performance including safety, culture, quality, delivery, cost, and member engagement. The Plant Manager will be a transformative leader who builds trust, empowers teams, drives continuous improvement, and helps shape the future of the Stove Business Unit.
Key Responsibilities:
Champion Cultural Transformation & Member Engagement
- Build and nurture a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture where every member’s voice is valued.
- Lead culture change efforts that strengthen trust, accountability, and collaboration across the site.
- Foster an environment where members are encouraged to grow, contribute ideas, and take pride in their work.
- Mentor supervisors, engineers, and frontline leaders to grow capabilities and improve decision making.
Lead Daily Operations & Performance Excellence
- Own the site’s performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
- Ensure strong operational discipline and consistent execution through clear expectations and daily management systems.
- Maintain a high level of responsiveness and ensure alignment with business unit priorities and customer commitments.
Drive Continuous Improvement & SPI/Lean Practices
- Embed SPI, Lean, and structured problem solving into daily operations.
- Own full site performance, including P&L accountability, cost management, and budget execution.
- Make problems visible and lead teams through effective root cause analysis and sustainable countermeasures.
- Conduct Gemba walks, coach team leaders, and strengthen visual management systems.
Align the Site to Strategic Manufacturing Priorities
- Translate Manufacturing strategy into actionable, site level execution plans.
- Support plant layout optimization, equipment upgrades, and workflow improvements that enhance agility and scalability.
- Ensure seamless integration of Forge & Flame brand standards, quality expectations, and customer focused values.
Improve Systems, Technology & Resource Utilization
- Own full site performance, including P&L accountability, cost management, and budget execution.
- Drive efficient use of resources, including labor planning, equipment readiness, and budget management.
- Leverage new technologies and modern manufacturing practices to elevate productivity and operational resilience.
- Champion data driven decision-making and standardized work.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or related field, Masters degree preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations including production supervision.
- Demonstrated success leading teams through change, cultural transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proven ability to lead through influence and direct management in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and relationship building skills at all organizational levels.
Preferred
- Experience in metal fabrication, assembly, or similar discrete manufacturing environments.
- Background supporting multisite operations or working within a business unit structure.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and modern production planning tools.
In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off and Holidays, and Retirement Benefits). Hearth & Home Technologies benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Our company endeavors to make www.hearthnhome.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 952-985-6000 or via email at [email protected]. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.