How to Become a Plant General Manager

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Plant General Manager

What does a Plant General Manager do?

A Plant General Manager directs, manages, and optimizes a plant or production facility's overall operations and financial performance (P&L). Sets policies and procedures that guide plant operations' productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. Being a Plant General Manager systematically collects operational metrics to analyze productivity and set performance targets to meet revenue and cost goals. Supports the development and deployment of manufacturing practices focused on quality and continuous improvement. Additionally, Plant General Manager ensures robust plant safety and security inspections, auditing, and training procedures are implemented to meet OSHA and other required regulations. Leads labor relations negotiations and engages with union leadership involving plant operations. Oversees multi-functional plant teams including finance, engineering, materials, quality assurance, and human resources. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, finance or equivalent. Typically reports to senior management. The Plant General Manager manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a Plant General Manager typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

People's Opinions on Plant General Manager responsibilities

General managers usually have more responsibility than plant managers, with the biggest differences being the teams they manage and profit-and-loss responsibility.

12/06/2019: Moline, IL

A general manager usually has a greater scope of management and responsibility than a plant manager.

01/05/2020: Fort Collins, CO

While a plant manager usually has sole responsibility for running the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing site, a general manager handles this role along with other tasks, most notably, the profit and loss responsibility for his business segment.

12/06/2019: Portsmouth, NH

A general manager has production supervisors reporting to him that spend time on the plant floor to keep the operations running smoothly.

02/16/2020: Cheyenne, WY

For example, an owner or manager of a small organization, such as an independent retail store, often is responsible for purchasing, hiring, training, quality control, and day-to-day supervisory duties.

11/30/2019: Bellingham, WA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Plant General Manager

Best tips for those who want to become a Plant General Manager

Here are some tips to become a Plant General Manager.

Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Plant General Manager

Best colleges and universities for Plant General Manager

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Plant General Manager

Is being a Plant General Manager Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The Plant Manager will also be required to drive and walk around a plant location including up and down….

12/06/2019: Allentown, PA

Reporting to the Regional Client Manager, the Client Success Manager is responsible for ensuring Farmers Edge clientele….

01/19/2020: Mesa, AZ

A general manager usually has a greater scope of management and responsibility than a plant manager.

01/28/2020: Rock Island, IL
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Plant General Manager

What skills do you need to be a Plant General Manager?

A manager is often judged based on the success of their team and those working below them, as such, many skills are needed.  Success in this role depends on a critical ability in the following: Automation, Bilingual, Bill of Materials Management, Calibration, Capacity Planning, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Manufacturing Management, Material Science, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP), Plant Lifecycle Management, Process Management, Process Manufacturing, Process Mapping, Production Planning, Production Scheduling, Value Stream Mapping.  Experience in the following is fundamental to this role: ERP Systems.  Skills may vary from job-to-job, but these skills are the ones most commonly associated with this role.

People's Opinions on Plant General Manager skills

Balances work cell capacity/loading across the plant.

02/15/2020: Topeka, KS

Accountable for the management and performance of all plant functions – OHSE, HR/origination, commercial, planning, materials supply, production and OpEx, maintenance/reliability, technical and quality, material movement and logistics, security.

01/30/2020: Tuscaloosa, AL

Assuring a strong plant organization, developing talents and building an effective team.

01/27/2020: Stockton, CA

Experience in an operational role in a manufacturing business (production unit or plant), packaging experience preferred.

02/23/2020: Salem, OR

Develop people and organization capability to support Bangkok business growth through coaching and mentoring subordinate, identify and develop plant talents, develop a plant culture/environment which inspires progress and encourage employee engagement.

12/31/2019: Lancaster, PA
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Step 6: View average salary for Plant General Manager

How much does a Plant General Manager make?

The average salary range for a Plant General Manager is from $210,792 to $281,593. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Plant General Manager
$210,792 to $281,593

Step 7: Find relevant Plant General Manager jobs, and apply.

Looking for Plant General Manager jobs?

Here are some Plant General Manager jobs in the United States.

Search Plant General Manager Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Plant General Manager

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Plant General Manager? Plant General Manager