How to become a plant manager - my Advice

[@josegalvan80]

This is great information, as I recently accomplished my life goal to be a plant manager, and these tips really help; keep up the great work.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Great to hear!

[@RetirementTravelers]

Great, practical advice Joe. Thanks for sharing. As a former plant manager myself, this is really consistent with my experiences over the years as well. If you are out there and have aspirations to become a plant manager or other leadership position, start today with some of these great suggestions and watch your career take off!!

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

I bet your stories could fill a book.

[@joerader6532]

Awesome video Joe. I am going for a superintendent interview for the largest foods manufacturer in the world. Just came from a production supervisor spot at a plastics manufacturer. First time I ever ran an MES system, it just seemed very simple to me. I was designing down codes and other ways to show our plant was running more efficiently to corporate offices. My end goal is to be a plant manager. I believe that moving companies greatly increases your chances. Especially when your current role won’t put you in the seat you want to be in. It’s hard to keep telling my wife that I won’t take any entry level jobs. The last move I made increased my position and income by over %100. I tell her that I have too much education and too much experience to take entry level job just because it pays almost the same money. I tell her that I will never go down in positions and me being close to 48 years old I can’t work somewhere for over 20+ years on the hopes that I may move up. How do you feel about going down in titles? How it affects your resume and future goals?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Titles are very misleading and most hiring managers know it. You can be a plant manager with 10 employees and a superintendent with 300. I look for span of control: examples - number of people, dollars in sales, etc. This puts people on even playing field. Bottom line, I don't get excited with titles. I look for experience, learning, problem solving and results. The tricky part is that many screening tools used on platforms like INDEED look for key words. So regardless of your title a a company , use the word "manager". My 2 cents.

[@Mr._Johns_Productions]

Great advice, thank you

[@tcollins3071]

Thank you for sharing. I made it from the bottom floor starting position all the way to prod super/onsite authority. I know what got me here wont get me there but I am seeking those things that will get me to the next level. If I am the “branch manager”, I believe I deserve the title. However, I also know that nothing from nothing leaves nothing so I have to be willing to put forth the effort to close those gaps. “Ambition is when you expect yourself to close the gaps between what you have and what you want. Entitlement is when you expect others to close the gap between what you have and what you want. “ Thank you for sharing your wisdom and lessons!

[@lovesageheroes530]

I have a plant manager interview in 48 hours. This video hit the spot and reassured that I'm going in the right direction. Thank you for sharing and spreading knowledge! A true leader.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

You got this.

[@Wesconi]

Some good advices - we like - Wesconi: YOUR PARTNER IN PLANT MANAGEMENT!

[@Mr._Johns_Productions]

I am ready

[@adamh8368]

33 year old Production Manager. I’m ready to fly up !

[@san1940rst]

Very nicely explained crystal clear thank you very much sir

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

You're most welcome

[@san1940rst]

@@joekuhnlovesretirement Sir I have Plant Head interview on Friday and myself have worked for last more than 30 years in forging auto and process industries but not as a full Plant Head what should be my approach in my interview I am confident to handle team but approach i really don't know what to keep to win the interview and get a job.its a clutch brake and friction materials manufacturing company with a huge manpower above 250

[@CristianGarcia-707]

I'm new to your channel, I'm currently a supervisor for a logistics distribution, and I would like to become a plant manager or operation manager. Do you have any advice?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

I have a ton of videos. Search career advice playlist in my channel

[@Ahfuric]

Hey man thanks for the advice. That’s the current role that management wants me to do that I’m on right now. I kind of wanted to know what goes on in a plant manager day today basis.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

That’s a long discussion.

[@courtneydyer8753]

Good info, currently getting my degree . Really looking forward to becoming a plant manager

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Good for you. No one can ever take away an education. Let me know if you need to talk or some guidance.

[@courtneydyer8753]

@@joekuhnlovesretirement Leave a contact number so i can reach out via whatsapp or telegram

[@reginaldfreeman520]

What degree are you getting that going to put you in position to be a plant manager

[@JZferda]

Hello 👋🏻 Mechanical Engineering student here looking to be in your position one day. Wonderful video, looks like I’m on the right track but can always be doing more! Any more advice for students specifically?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Continue to invest in yourself throughout your career

[@JZferda]

@ Will do, Joe!

[@potpfgold100]

Just out of the Army. I Was a Supply Sargent. Having trouble getting a professional logistical factory job with my age (23) and lack of degree. What are some things you look for in interviews. That you see the applicant doesn't have the schooling but experience. Tips are cool too. Thanks man.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

See previous response.

[@benjamintate6062]

Hi Joe, this was great information. Thank you for offering your knowledge and shared experiences. I am looking for the link you mentioned in this video I am interested in the document related to this video. Please share/ post link. Again thank you, it is appreciated by Al!

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

joekuhn1964.wixsite.com/ldrjfk

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Go to this website. Select “documents”

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

joekuhn1964.wixsite.com/ldrjfk

[@CentJrDawgs]

I am looking for the link that you mentioned

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Hit my website link then hit “free documents”. You may try on pc it seems to work better. Sorry for hassle

[@rauljosegarcia]

Any particular plant management certification that you would recommend?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

All continuing education looks great. A Basic if you don’t have an MBA is to take “Finance for non- financial managers” from a top school. Examples: Vanderbilt or university of Michigan. I also like to see niche’s like a CMRP (certified maintenance and reliability professional).

[@Learner-c3t]

Hi Joe,I am a student of Computer Science and Engineering.Is it possible to become a plant manager with Computer Science degree or I need to must have a degree on electrical or mechanical or chemical or industrial engineering?I am also planning to get a masters degree to strength my journey of being a plant manager.Which kind of masters degree will you prefer for a plant manager? Will be grateful if you kindly answer❤

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

MBA is best. Yes you can become a PM from any degree even no degree. You must solve problems, get things done and inspire others.

[@Learner-c3t]

@@joekuhnlovesretirement Joe ,Thank you so much for your reply.Hopefully one day I will meet with you as PM.

[@quintoLmento]

I’m on the way Joe, first chief of maintenance, now maintenance manager, next step will be plant manager. I’m an electronic engineer. What do you recommend as a leader point of view to get there?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

The video really lays out my points to get there. The bottom line is that top leaders need to see that you can get results despite obstacles.

[@dsjackson4949]

Greetings- I could use some advice. Plant manager opportunity before me

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Send questions in email. [e-mail]. May set up call. I can help.

[@likhitadigambargalbale2056]

And after the bachelor's degree can I get directly job anywhere or should I have to study any more for this job.....?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

The best degree I've found for plant managers is engineer; and best within that field is industrial engineering. IE's get technical and business training. Then I would get real manufacturing experience -- any role where you can make real impact to the business. You are not just putting in time, but learning lessons. You must become a learner for life - lean, business, quality, etc. Never stop building your resume AND results. Plant managers are picked by their ability to get things done despite obstacles. Lastly, every plant manager has a different path. I just described an ideal. 99% will not have this ideal, so don't get discouraged.

[@ASCreative2020]

@@joekuhnlovesretirementI have a degree in Forestry Science but currently working in a meat processing plant. Hopefully I will become someone as successful as you in the future for my family

[@escanor8696]

Sir i studied b.com.what should I do to become a plant manager

[@escanor8696]

Is it possible

[@likhitadigambargalbale2056]

Hi dear uncle..😅my self likhita.I am from India.I also want to become a plant manager.in the 11th which subject I want to choose for my future...?

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

I don't understand your question. Sorry. Can you reword?

[@johnd4348]

Get a engineering degree. If you dont have a degree, HR will never ever consider you no matter how much experience you have.

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

Not my experience. I know very good plant managers with finance, philosophy and even no degrees. All have focused on strengths and hired for weaknesses.

[@kevinken2576]

Khusro

[@joekuhnlovesretirement]

I don’t know what this means.