Production Manager

Fire-Dex • Old Fort • 11h ago

Plant Manager

Location: Old Fort, NC

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Production Supervisors, Operations Office Staff

Lead a High-Impact Cut & Sew Operation

At Fire-Dex, what we make protects the people who protect all of us—and it starts on the production floor.

We are seeking a Plant Manager with strong cut & sew / textile manufacturing expertise to lead our Old Fort facility. This is not a traditional manufacturing role—this is a hands-on leadership opportunity within a high-skill, labor-intensive environment where craftsmanship, precision, and people leadership matter.

If you understand the complexity of sewing operations, workforce pacing, line balancing, and building skilled production teams—and you're passionate about improving processes while developing people—this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

What You'll Own

As Plant Manager, you'll oversee all aspects of operations at our Old Fort facility—from strategy to execution—while building a culture centered on safety, accountability, and growth.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop the Operations Manager, Production Supervisors, and plant office staff
Build a high-performing, engaged, and accountable team culture in a cut & sew production environment
Drive succession planning and develop future leaders within the plant
Oversee hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning for skilled sewing and production roles

Operational Excellence (Cut & Sew Focus)

Lead daily operations across cutting, sewing, and assembly workflows
Optimize line balancing, throughput, and operator efficiency in a labor-driven environment
Establish and track KPIs across safety, quality, productivity, and cost
Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) tailored to textile manufacturing processes
Identify opportunities to improve workflow design, material flow, and production pacing

Strategy & Execution

Partner with senior leadership on operational strategy and long-term planning
Manage plant budgets and allocate resources effectively
Leverage ERP/MRP systems to drive smarter decisions and improve performance
Prepare and present key performance updates to leadership

Quality, Safety & Compliance

Champion a safety-first culture across all operations
Ensure compliance with ISO 9000 and regulatory standards
Maintain quality management system (QMS) integrity during change
Partner cross-functionally to resolve production and quality challenges

Talent Pipeline & Growth

Oversee and enhance our Sewing School program, building a strong pipeline of skilled operators
Develop training pathways to elevate technical skill levels and production consistency
Ensure the plant is positioned for both current production needs and future growth

What You Bring

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience
Direct experience in cut & sew, textile, or soft goods manufacturing strongly preferred
Experience managing large, hourly workforces (75–100+ employees preferred)
Strong background in Lean manufacturing / continuous improvement
Experience with ERP/MRP systems
Knowledge of ISO 9000 standards
A hands-on leadership style with strong communication skills
Ability to lead in a people-intensive, skill-based production environment

Why Fire-Dex?

We're a family-owned company where people matter—and where your leadership will directly shape both culture and performance.

What We Offer

Competitive salary + profit sharing bonus opportunity
Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
401(k) with company match
Paid time off + holidays
Career growth and leadership development opportunities
A values-driven, team-first culture
The opportunity to lead a plant producing gear that supports first responders and frontline heroes

Work Environment

Combination of office and production floor leadership
Fast-paced cut & sew manufacturing environment
Exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures (PPE provided)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fire-Dex is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, or background.