Plant Manager

Job Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for overall leadership and daily operations of our pallet facility in Montgomery, IL, with a primary focus on servicing PECO Pallet programs and customers. This role ensures safe, efficient pallet sort/repair/handling operations, high service levels to PECO and other customers, and strong financial performance of the site. The Plant Manager leads the local team, drives continuous improvement, and upholds company standards for safety, quality, cost, and productivity.

About the Company

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, PLA is a national supply chain solutions provider delivering pallet management services, 3PL logistics solutions, reverse logistics, and transportation management services.

Today, PLA operates more than 76 facilities across 23 states, supporting over 1,500 customers and managing more than 115 million pallets annually.

Our operations support major pallet pooling networks, where pallets are continuously inspected, repaired, sorted, and returned to service. These facilities operate to strict quality, safety, and inventory standards to ensure pallets meet customer and industry requirements.

Compensation

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $110,000 per year (based on experience)
• Annual Performance Bonus: 15% target bonus based on individual and facility performance

Here's What We Offer:

• Daily Pay Optio n – Access your earnings before payday
• Bi Weekly Pay – Get paid on time, every week
• PTO (Paid Time Off) - unlimited plan
• Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 3 medical plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield with low weekly premiums starting at $28.75
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Company contribution up to $750 annually with tax-advantaged savings
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring up to a 4% employer match, eligibility the first of the month after 90 days, and access to a Financial Wellness Consultant.
• Flexible Benefits – Multiple plan options to fit your needs and budget
• Prescription Drug Coverage – Low copays starting at $10 for generic medications
• FREE Life Insurance & AD&D – Basic coverage provided at no cost upon employment
• Vision Benefits – $10 eye exams and $150 frame allowance through Superior Vision by MetLife starting at $1.46 per week
• Dental Coverage – 100% preventive care coverage with MetLife plans starting at $5.76 per week
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability (STD) – Income replacement up to 60% of weekly covered earnings (max $1,500 weekly) for a non-work-related injury or illness.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free and confidential support for work stress, grief, legal/financial issues, and more.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits – MetLife Legal and Identity Theft Services and Pet Insurance with ASPCA.
• LifeMart employee discounts (through ADP) on everyday stuff and larger purchases (travel, electronics, entertainment, and more)
• Dell Employee Purchase Program (EPP) discounts available for personal use.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the daily operations of a high-volume pallet sorting and repair facility supporting a major pallet pooling program. You will oversee receiving, sorting, repair, loading, and outbound shipments while ensuring production, safety, and quality standards are consistently met.
• Manage labor and production schedules to meet operational volume, turnaround time, and on-time delivery goals. Monitor key performance indicators such as productivity, throughput, downtime, scrap, and service levels while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, PPE requirements, and facility housekeeping standards. Conduct regular safety meetings, audits, and incident investigations to support a safe working environment.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and hourly associates while building a culture of accountability, teamwork, and strong communication. Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management while keeping the team aligned with production goals and operational expectations.
• Ensure pallets are inspected, repaired, and sorted according to PECO and company quality standards while maintaining audit readiness. Address service or quality concerns quickly and implement root-cause solutions to prevent recurring issues.
• Manage operational costs including labor, repair materials, supplies, and equipment while improving productivity and reducing waste or rework. Lead continuous improvement initiatives such as workflow optimization, 5S, and other operational efficiency practices.
• Oversee maintenance of pallet repair equipment, forklifts, and facility infrastructure to ensure preventive maintenance is completed and production downtime is minimized.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a hands-on operations leader who can successfully manage a fast-paced industrial environment while building a strong, safety-focused team.

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of leadership experience in pallet operations, lumber, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or similar industrial environments.
• Proven experience managing hourly teams in a production or operations setting.
• Strong knowledge of safety practices within warehouse or industrial operations.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve operational goals related to productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems including email, spreadsheets, and production or inventory systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in pallet repair, pallet pooling programs (PECO, CHEP), or wood products operations.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, or other continuous improvement practices.
• Experience managing operations that are measured by service, quality, and inventory performance metrics.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in a warehouse environment. This may include exposure to dust, fluctuating temperatures (hot and cold), and moderate to high noise levels. Steel-toed boots and other personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required

PLA and its Family of Companies is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request by contacting [email protected]. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.