Plant Manager

The Plant Manager oversees all phases of plant operations, including production, quality assurance, maintenance, receiving, and shipping. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing while driving productivity and profitability. Additional responsibilities include supporting recruitment, hiring, and training initiatives; managing facility upkeep and capital improvements; and leading annual budget planning and execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction for the daily operations of the facility.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure product consistency, monitor yields, and identify trends for process improvements.
• Review and manage production schedules to maintain target inventory levels while achieving maximum operational efficiency.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training of manufacturing personnel.
• Monitor operational expenses, identifying opportunities for cost reduction without compromising quality.
• Champion safety initiatives and maintain a culture of safety in partnership with Human Resources, ensuring compliance with all safety policies and best practices.
• Maintain a superior housekeeping and safety program, including timely reporting (e.g., accident reports within 1 hour, daily injury-free tracking, TIR updates).
• Develop, manage, and execute plant manufacturing budgets.
• Assess workforce needs, conduct performance evaluations, and provide coaching and guidance to team members.
• Foster a continuous improvement mindset throughout all operations.
• Identify and remove production bottlenecks; allocate resources effectively to meet operational goals.
• Eliminate waste and inefficiencies to enhance productivity.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to strengthen supplier relationships and improve procurement processes.
• Oversee and maintain plant security systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

5+ year’s progressive experience in a key leadership / management role at a manufacturing facility. Minimum 3+ years’ experience with operations management in a food plant. Ability to create a team environment and collaboration up and down the organization. SQF certification and Food processing experience in a USDA plant. Previous experience / strong understanding of budgeting / expense management with a basic understanding of financial and accounting practices. ... (continue the list)

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering/Business / Finance / Management / Operations or other related field. HACCP Certification

Additional Comments:

Preferred qualifications: Six Sigma, Green Belt or Black Belt certification, lean manufacturing principle implementation.