Mississippi Industries for the Blind

Plant Manager (Jackson, ms)

Reports to: Executive Director or designee

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for directing and overseeing all manufacturing and plant operations within Mississippi Industries for the Blind's Jackson location. This role ensures efficient, safe, and compliant production while advancing the mission of providing meaningful employment opportunities to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. The Plant Manager personifies a team spirit of leadership in production, personnel, financial, and operational matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Direct and coordinate all daily plant operations including sewing, assembly, inspection, warehousing, and shipping and receiving.

- Plan, develop, and implement organizational procedures and production goals through team leaders and production staff.

- Coordinate departmental activities to achieve operational efficiency and economy.

- Review production scorecards, KPIs, and financial reports to identify operational deficiencies and execute strategies for process improvements.

- Assign responsibilities and delegate authority to team lead personnel, when applicable.

- Develop production schedules and ensure timely fulfillment of customer and federal contract requirements.

- Authorize procurement of maintenance supplies and oversee purchase documentation for operational accountability.

- Evaluate and improve production processes using continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Workforce Leadership and Disability Inclusion

- Supervise production leads and warehouse personnel.

- Provide employees for training to Quality and Training Manager.

- Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive work environment for employees who are blind or low vision.

- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including Human Resources, vocational rehabilitation, and job developers.

- Ensure compliance with ADA, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and AbilityOne program requirements.

Quality Assurance and Safety

- Maintain high standards of product quality in accordance with federal contract specifications.

- Collaborate with Quality and Training Manager for internal quality control and inspection processes.

- Maintain a safe and accessible work environment compliant with OSHA and state regulations.

- Conduct safety audits and risk assessments tailored to blind and low vision employees.

- Ensure compliance with ISO quality standards where applicable.

Budget and Financial Management

- Manage plant operating budgets and monitor waste, labor, material, and production costs.

- Suggest and implement cost control and efficiency initiatives.

- Ensure proper financial documentation for purchases and expenditures.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Rehabilitation Services, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may substitute.

Experience: 5–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience; textile, sewing, or manufacturing preferred; experience working with individuals with disabilities highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

- Manufacturing operations and production planning

- Sewing and textile production processes

- Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

- Quality management systems

- ADA compliance and workplace accommodations

- Inclusive leadership and adaptive communication

Physical Requirements

- Ability to walk and stand on production floors for extended periods.

- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.

AbilityOne Program Statement

This position supports the AbilityOne Program, which creates employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. The Plant Manager ensures compliance with AbilityOne Commission requirements and supports mission-driven manufacturing operations.

ISO Compliance Statement

Mississippi Industries for the Blind is committed to quality management practices aligned with applicable ISO standards to ensure consistent product quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Mississippi Industries for the Blind is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Job #651823