Plant Manager

Who We Are:

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc.  

For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.   

Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life’s most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions—solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future—we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.   

By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.  

Plant Manager

Job Description Summary

Mueller Water Products is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries, has an opening in our Chattanooga, Tennessee facility for a Plant Manager. The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Chattanooga, TN facility Operations. The Plant Manager ensures employee safety, efficiency of operations including cost control, labor relations, quality of products, and timely delivery of products to customers.

  Duties will include, but not limited to the following: 

• Manages and directs all aspects of facility operations through self and staff members.
• Delegates authority and decision making to key direct reports including Engineering Leader, supervisors in production, maintenance, Quality Assurance and Control, Materials Management, production control, shipping, and other related operations functions. Ensures accountability for achievement of assigned goals.
• Responsible for the establishment of objectives at both facility and value stream level, consistent with company objectives; development and implementation of a strategic plan to meet the objectives.
• Responsible for the development of the facility annual operating budget, the implementation of a plan to achieve budgetary requirements, and the monthly/annual review of budget results.
• Ensures efficiency of all operations at the facility and ensures that all work is performed safely.
• Ensures that facility is properly maintained and follows good housekeeping processes.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of a long-range capital expenditure plan.
• Ensures that the facility operates in compliance with all governmental regulatory requirements.
• Ensures that all products produced at the facility and shipped to customers from the facility meet quality and customer requirements.
• Maintains excellent level of communication and employee/labor relations.
• Coaches and ensures continued development of direct reports and operations team members.
• Drives, supports, and implements continuous improvement practices as part of Company’s lean manufacturing culture.
• Drives and supports implementation of best practices and process improvements.
• Implement operations for improvements and standardization of methods and equipment.
• Directs the implementation of new programs, staff functions and operations systems that will improve productivity and enhance client satisfaction.
• Contributes to personnel decision making, including hiring, corrective action and termination decisions, grievance and union/management meetings, performance evaluation and monitoring, coaching and development, training, and professional development.
• Demonstrates highly effective communication, problem-solving skills and leadership in a highly professional manner.
• Participates in contract negotiations for four different unions.
• Other duties and projects as assigned

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• B.A. or B.S. degree in business, engineering, operations; or the equivalent
• Experience in Foundry management
• Experience in an organized labor environment
• Extensive experience in Operations; Manufacturing; Logistics; Six Sigma/ Lean Methodologies
• Broad leadership experience in a manufacturing environment
• Excellent human relations skills for customer and associate interaction
• Thorough understanding of financial measurement, total cost analysis and supporting operational metrics.
• Able to effectively lead change and process improvement
• Able to function and lead effectually in a team environment
• A straightforward, open communicator who is team oriented
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in manufacturing management positions within a progressive company environment
• Strong technical acumen (foundry environment preferred).
• Strong leadership and employee development skills, coaching and delegation, labor relations and communications.
• Solid understanding and demonstrated experience in driving lean manufacturing methodology

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in stationary position or standing position for prolonged periods and alternate between
• Ability to repeat gross or fine manipulation that may include the use of wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including, but not limited to, safety glasses, steel-toed or metatarsal-guarded shoes, and/or ear plugs, while working in an industrial and/or manufacturing environment. 
• Ability to constantly communicate with others to exchange information in person, via phone, or via computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 25 pounds in weight in all directions.
• Ability to occasionally reach overhead or at or below shoulder level.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, crouch, or kneel.

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department. 

This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.