Job Details

Next Level Partners is partnering with a leading manufacturer in the adhesives industry to identify a hands-on Plant Manager to lead a high-value, small-batch manufacturing site in Cranston, RI.

This is not a maintenance role. This is an opportunity to take full ownership of a site, stabilize operations, and build the systems needed to support continued growth.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Full site ownership (safety, quality, delivery, cost, culture)
• High-visibility role within a growing, PE-backed organization
• Opportunity to build structure from the ground up (SOPs, standard work, Lean)
• Direct impact on customer relationships and business performance
• Ideal for a leader ready to step into or expand within a Plant Manager role

The Environment

• ~20 employee site (14–15 in operations)
• Small-batch, high-mix / engineered-to-order manufacturing
• Manual / semi-manual processes (not highly automated)
• Currently in a transformation phase:
• Stabilizing workforce
• Improving quality performance
• Building a Lean operating system

What You'll Do

• Lead daily operations across safety, quality, production, and delivery
• Build and implement standard work and SOPs
• Establish a Lean operating system (daily management, problem-solving, CI)
• Improve quality (reduce rework, rejects, and customer complaints)
• Develop and coach a small team of operators and frontline leaders
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key customers
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, commercial, and technical teams

What We're Looking For

• Experience in small-batch / high-mix manufacturing environments
• Hands-on leadership style—comfortable leading from the floor
• Experience building structure in low-maturity or turnaround environments
• Working knowledge of Lean principles (Kaizen, CI, problem-solving)
• Strong people leadership and ability to stabilize and develop teams

Preferred Background

• Chemical, adhesives, coatings, or specialty materials manufacturing
• Experience in custom, batch-based, or engineered-to-order production
• Prior experience implementing or improving a Lean operating system