Plant Manager

## **About the Role:** We are seeking a dynamic **Plant Manager** to lead our flagship **400,000-square-foot manufacturing operation in Highland, Illinois**. As part of our **Global Energy Infrastructure Solutions** business, this facility manufactures critical systems and enclosures that serve the mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications markets. With approximately **$350 million in annual revenue**, rapid growth, and a team of **250 employees that continues to expand**, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a highly visible operation by driving safety, operational performance, talent development, and strategic growth initiatives. This is a high-impact leadership role for a proven operator who can **both lead through complexity and drive performance transformation at scale**. The Plant Manager will have full accountability for the site’s **operational, financial, and people performance**, with a clear mandate to **stabilize, optimize, and elevate plant performance** while positioning the facility for continued growth. As **Plant Manager**, you will set the strategic direction, establish priorities, and ensure rigorous execution to meet customer expectations and business objectives. You will also play a critical role in embedding the **Eaton Business System (EBS)** and leading change—aligning teams, strengthening engagement, and driving sustainable results across the operation. ## **What you'll do:** - Lead site-wide operational excellence across **Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People (SQDCIP)**. - Own overall **plant performance**, including financials (budgeting, forecasting, cost control) and capital investment governance. - Execute the **annual operating plan, profit plan, and long-term strategic roadmap**. - Drive **KPI-led performance management** through operating reviews, structured problem solving, and data-driven decision-making. - Champion **Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)** and MESH principles, fostering a **zero-incident culture** with accountability at all levels. - Ensure compliance with **quality systems (ISO)** and all regulatory requirements, while leading a **zero-defects mindset**. - Lead **Lean / Six Sigma continuous improvement** initiatives to optimize cost, productivity, capacity, and asset utilization. - Collaborate cross-functionally with **Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Sales, and HR** to drive aligned execution. - Lead **new product industrialization (NPI)** and support SIOP-driven operational planning and execution. - Build and maintain strong **customer and supplier relationships**, representing Eaton externally. - Develop, coach, and retain a **high-performing leadership team**, building succession and organizational capability. - Foster an **inclusive, engagement-driven culture** aligned to Eaton values. ## **What you will need:** - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. - Lean and/or Six Sigma certification. - Minimum 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience. - Demonstrated experience leading turnaround environments in complex manufacturing operations. - Experience in Union environment. - Lean and/or Six Sigma certification. - Strong change leadership in talent development and employee engagement. ## **Additional Information:** - This position will be location in Highland, IL (St. Louis metro) - Relocation will be offered for this position. - Eaton will not consider applicants for employment, immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc. All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates’ privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws. At Eaton, we strive to provide…