Plant Manager

Mastery of g-code programming and CNC controls is crucial for steering daily operations effectively. A Plant Manager should also be adept at blueprint reading, troubleshooting machining issues, and managing custom workflows to maintain quality and throughput in a machine shop environment.

In a family-owned job shop, Plant Managers often engage directly with technical tasks and team leadership, fostering close-knit collaboration. Unlike larger plants, they juggle hands-on CNC programming with scheduling, offering a blend of operational control and personal team guidance.

Progression often leads to roles like Plant Engineering Manager or Operations Director. Gaining expertise in ERP systems, cross-functional coordination, and process improvements can open doors to senior leadership positions in manufacturing management.

While a BS in engineering or manufacturing is common, certifications in CNC programming, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma are highly valued locally. These credentials enhance a candidate’s ability to improve shop metrics and workflow efficiency in competitive Illinois markets.

Clarendon Hills offers a niche market with fewer but highly specialized openings, often requiring deep CNC expertise. Chicago’s broader manufacturing base means more roles but also greater competition, emphasizing diverse leadership skills and certifications.

Alan N. Daum And Associates values hands-on leadership in a custom machining setting, requiring Plant Managers to directly troubleshoot complex CNC issues while managing a mid-sized team. The role demands balancing technical detail with strategic scheduling and cross-department collaboration.

The Plant Manager acts as a pivotal liaison, ensuring production schedules align with quoting accuracy and supplier timelines. This cross-functional interaction guarantees customer satisfaction by coordinating real-time fixes and maintaining transparent communication throughout the machining process.

Competitive salaries typically range from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, influenced by experience with CNC programming, team size management, and ERP proficiency. Compensation also reflects regional manufacturing demand and the complexity of custom machining operations.

Decisions revolve around optimizing custom workflows, swiftly resolving machining glitches, and balancing job schedules to meet tight deadlines. This environment demands a Plant Manager who is both a technical expert and a strategic planner to uphold quality and throughput.

Many believe it’s purely administrative, but this role is deeply hands-on—requiring technical problem-solving with G-code, direct team leadership, and active involvement in day-to-day shop floor challenges. It's a blend of engineering insight and practical management.