Plant Operations Director

Company Overview

Benshaw Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a premier manufacturer specializing in solid-state motor controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and power management solutions. Serving diverse sectors such as industrial, mining, water treatment, oil and gas, power generation, and infrastructure, Benshaw produces products powering applications from 208V to 15kV and fractional horsepower up to 60,000 HP. As part of the Amconex Group, the company focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and delivering world-class manufacturing solutions across North America and globally.

Position Summary

The Plant Operations Director holds responsibility for strategic and operational leadership of Benshaw’s manufacturing plants located in Pittsburgh, PA and Listowel, Ontario, ensuring alignment with company growth plans. Reporting to the President, this role oversees all manufacturing aspects, including production, quality control, Lean and continuous improvement, warehousing, automation, and collaboration with supply chain teams. The director leads efforts to optimize operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and build a scalable, high-performing production organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage manufacturing operations spanning two facilities and act as Plant Manager for Pittsburgh, PA, ensuring daily operational goals are met.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that drive growth, profitability, safety, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee complex manufacturing activities including power electronics assembly, motor controls, VFDs, soft starters, sheet metal fabrication, panel building, and assembly of switchgear and motor control centers.
• Advance manufacturing best practices to improve throughput, quality, operational efficiency, and optimize facility layout, production flows, and automation.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies to remove bottlenecks and increase productivity.
• Establish key performance metrics and accountability frameworks to sustain operational excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a strong leadership team encompassing production, quality, continuous improvement, engineering, and warehouse functions.
• Foster a workplace culture emphasizing accountability, teamwork, safety, innovation, and employee engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, Sourcing, Quality, Sales, and Customer Service to meet customer requirements and drive business priorities.
• Lead Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) to align demand, capacity, inventory, and strategy.
• Manage critical operational metrics related to safety, delivery, quality, productivity, inventory turns, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee budgets, capital expenditures, cost reduction projects, and ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards in both countries.
• Report operational performance, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement progress to senior leadership and participate in long-term strategic planning.
• Manage change initiatives to position Benshaw for continued expansion and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related technical field.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, including senior plant management in complex industrial settings.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-site manufacturing operations and leading transformational change initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of industrial electrical equipment manufacturing, including motor controls, VFDs, soft starters, power electronics, sheet metal fabrication, panel assembly, switchgear, and MCC assembly.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and data-driven manufacturing management.
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and operational excellence principles.
• Strong financial skills with proven ability to manage budgets, capital projects, and cost optimization.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and executive presentation capabilities.
• Ability to travel regularly between Pittsburgh and Listowel as well as occasional other Amconex sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration (MBA).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience in engineered-to-order, configure-to-order, or industrial power equipment manufacturing environments.
• History of leading operations within global manufacturing organizations.

Additional Information

Benshaw offers a unique opportunity to lead manufacturing operations of a top North American industrial power solutions provider with a global footprint. The Plant Operations Director will impact strategic growth initiatives, modernization, automation projects, and organizational development across U.S. and Canadian locations.

Since its establishment in 1983, Benshaw has become an industry leader recognized for reliable, mission-critical motor controls and drives, particularly suited for harsh environments. The company values ambition, dedication, and a respectful, engaging workplace where employees can make meaningful contributions.

Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. Sponsorship cannot be provided for temporary work visas including F-1 OPT, CPT, H-1B, or similar.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Benshaw is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected characteristic under law. The company fosters an inclusive and diverse environment.