At Modine, we are engineering a cleaner, healthier world. Building on more than 100 years of excellence in thermal management, we provide trusted systems and solutions that improve air quality and conserve natural resources. More than 13,000 employees are at work in every corner of the globe, delivering the solutions our customers need, where they need them. Our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments support our purpose by improving air quality, reducing energy and water consumption, lowering harmful emissions and enabling cleaner running vehicles and environmentally-friendly refrigerants. Modine is a global company headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (USA), with operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. For more information about Modine, visit www.modine.com.
Position Description
We are seeking a hands-on and strategic Plant manager to lead the start-up and long-term operations of our new manufacturing facility producing infrastructure products for data centers. This is a unique opportunity to help stand up a new plant from the ground up, setting the tone for operational excellence, building a high-performing team, and creating a culture centered on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
The Plant Manager will be responsible for all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and safety. This role will work closely with the executive team and cross-functional leaders to ensure successful ramp-up and ongoing scalability of the operation.
Travel requirements for this role will start at 50% (traveling to Calgary, Canada twice per month) and decrease to 10% as our Franklin, WI plant ramps up to production by end of calendar 2025. After the Franklin plant is occupied, intermittent travel will be required to meet with customers, suppliers, other facilities, and Regional and Corporate meetings.
Key Responsibilities
Start-Up Execution and Leadership:
- Lead the start-up of a new manufacturing facility, including equipment installation, staffing, operational readiness, and initial production launch.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive plant start-up plan aligned with business objectives and production targets.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, HR, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless facility launch.
Operational Management:
- Oversee daily plant operations across production, maintenance, quality, and EHS to ensure safety, efficiency, and product excellence.
- Drive performance to meet or exceed key operational metrics (safety, delivery, quality, cost, and productivity).
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement using lean manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving.
Team Building & Talent Development:
- Recruit, hire, and develop the plant leadership team and hourly workforce in partnership with HR.
- Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and create a culture of empowerment and ownership throughout the facility.
- Partner with local schools, technical programs, and workforce agencies to support long-term talent pipeline development.
Compliance & Standards:
- Ensure full compliance with company standards, environmental regulations, and all applicable laws.
- Promote and enforce a safety-first culture through strong leadership, training, and behavior-based safety practices.
Required Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
- 7+ years of manufacturing experience, with at least 3 years in a plant or operations leadership role.
- Prior experience with plant start-up or facility expansion strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI management.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage change, build culture, and influence across all levels of an organization.
Why Choose Modine?
Health & Well-being:
• Day One
• Competitive health, dental & vision insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• After 90 days of continuous employment
• Maternity Leave (12 weeks at 100% pay)
• 8 weeks of short term disability leave paid at 100%
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave paid at 100%
• Paternity Leave (4 weeks at 100% pay)
Financial Benefits:
• 401k Retirement plan and company paid match
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Short Term Disability (company paid)
• Long Term Disability
Work-Life Balance:
• Competitive time-off policies
• Tuition Reimbursement
To view full benefits information: MyModine Benefits
Modine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Modine provides a competitive benefit package, which could include paid vacation, short term disability, 401(k), health, dental, vision, life insurance, flex spending benefits, tuition reimbursement, Health Savings Account and much more. Human Resources will provide more detail upon your hiring.
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