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 compensation and benefits that attract, engage, and retain the best talent. This includes competitive pay and a variety of benefit programs for eligible employees. The expected annual salary range for this role is $165000 - $242000 a year. This role is also eligible for a variable incentive program. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws. You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number. We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.