Plant Manager

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, and continuous improvement of the food manufacturing facility. This role ensures safe, efficient, high-quality production that meets food safety standards, regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and company goals for productivity, cost control, and profitability. The Plant Manager leads cross-functional teams, drives operational excellence, and fosters a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

• Provide overall leadership and direction for all plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, quality assurance, sanitation, warehouse/logistics, and site administration.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety standards(SQF, HACCP, GMP, FDA/USDA regulations) and all applicable local, state and federal requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor annual operating plans, budgets, and capital expenditures; control costs while meeting or exceeding production targets.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Oversee maintenance and reliability programs to maximize equipment uptime and asset performance.
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all workplace safety standards.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain talent; build high-performing teams and succession plans for key roles.
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulatory agencies; support customer audits and resolve quality issues promptly.
• Ensure proper sanitation, pest control, allergen management, and environmental monitoring programs are executed effectively.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on operational performance, risks, and opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years in a plant management or senior operations leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing multi-shift operations in a regulated food production environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality management systems.
• Experience managing budgets, P&L accountability, and capital projects preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people-development skills.
• Ability to analyze data, solve complex operational problems, and make sound decisions under pressure.

• Experience managing operations in a gluten-free facility.

TOBA, Inc. DBA Wald Family Foods is an Aff…?