Plant Manager - ZipRecruiter : Job Details

The Plant Manager will lead our multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) manufacturing operations in Valencia, CA. This on-site leadership role is responsible for ensuring the plant consistently meets tactical performance goals in quality, delivery, and cost, while also driving strategic initiatives to elevate operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will play a key role in transforming our U.S. MLCC facility, guiding it toward the next level of manufacturing excellence.

• Build and empower a high-performing team by attracting exceptional talent, supporting professional growth, and fostering a values-driven environment grounded in accountability, ownership, and a commitment to delivering results.
• Foster a culture of ongoing improvement by encouraging innovation and anticipating challenges with proactive, solution-oriented thinking.
• Lead facility operations to consistently achieve or surpass annual goals in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Yield, and Cost performance.
• Partner with R&D teams to ensure smooth and efficient transitions from product design to full-scale manufacturing.
• Leverage lean methodologies to implement improvements in factory efficiency and productivity, including delivery, quality, and yields.
• Monitor and interpret operational data to identify performance patterns, generate actionable insights, and ensure continuous progress by addressing gaps and reinforcing improvement efforts.
• Enhance forecasting accuracy, optimize bill of materials and ERP planning processes, and manage working capital effectively to boost inventory turnover and align spending with lean operational principles.
• Work cross-functionally to convert strategic direction into clear initiatives that support business growth, synchronize factory operations with market demands, and advance long-term organizational goals.
• Utilize organizational best practices and innovative approaches to accelerate operational excellence and drive continuous performance improvement.

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a technical or engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of proven experience in Manufacturing / Operations leadership with a strong performance record.
• Proven track record in driving operational excellence and cultivating a high-performance culture within manufacturing environments.
• Successful experience leading plant-wide continuous improvement initiatives and crafting operational strategies with measurable results.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and engage effectively with senior leadership and diverse teams.
• Proven leadership and team development expertise, guiding factory teams through transformational change and continuous improvement.
• Experience working in capacitor, semiconductor, or passive component manufacturing environments.
• Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience in lean manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish to support effective communication across diverse teams.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Prescription drug plans.
• Basic life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Employee referral program.
• Flexible PTO and paid sick leave.
• Paid holidays.

• Free coffee at our cafeteria.
• Employee appreciation events.

Knowles is committed to providing a competitive total compensation package. The starting pay range for this role is $185,000 to $235,000 per year, based on experience, skills, and other factors. We recognize that candidates come with diverse backgrounds, and salary offers will reflect this. Updates to salary ranges will be communicated during the recruitment process.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Knowles prohibits pay discrimination and discrimination of any kind based on legally protected statuses.

Notice to Staffing Agencies: Resumes should be submitted through our HR-managed system. Resumes sent outside this system become property of Knowles and are not eligible for placement.