Job Description

Are you passionate about process improvement and driving strategic change initiatives? Do you want to join a growing team? Winnebago Motorhome is seeking a Plant Manager to lead our Specialty Vehicle division based in Forest City, IA. The Plant Manager will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations within an engineer to order environment while improving manufacturing efficiencies and driving revenue. This role requires a strong leader with an analytical mindset, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and a proven background in Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

 Day to Day of the Role:

• Monitor all operations and processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Prepare and maintain operating reports, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety regulations.
• Manage scheduling for a fully operational team and oversee daily floor operations.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase productivity, throughput, and quality.
• Oversee all shipments, incoming inventory, and storage operations.
• Optimize employee productivity by eliminating waste and unnecessary processes.
• Practice conflict resolution across departments and teams.
• Track and report expenses to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Analyze safety, quality, and productivity data to drive continuous improvement.
• Hire, train, and develop employees to build a high-performing team.
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure all legal, safety, and health regulations are met.
• Lead Lean initiatives such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, safety, quality, materials, HR, and new product development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• Associate’s degree with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations.
• 7–10+ years of people management experience, including leading teams through change.
• Experience in engineered-to-order production environments and assembly plants.
• Background in high mix, low volume, vertically integrated manufacturing preferred.
• Experience working with new product development and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success in driving and implementing continuous improvement efforts.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Ability to travel approximately 10%, with flexibility based on business needs.

Winnebago Motorhome is in beautiful Forest City, IA. This community provides numerous outdoor activities including miles of bike trails, canoeing, golf, 10 parks, and aquatic center. For indoor entertainment enjoy the 630 seat Bowman Fine Arts Center. Only two hours from Minneapolis and an hour and a half from the top ranked hospital in the nation, Mayo Clinic. In addition, Iowa offers a 17% lower cost of housing than the national average. Communities nearby such as Clear Lake and Mason City offer beaches, lakes, breweries, arts, and culture.