Plant Manager: Automation & Ops Excellence

The Plant Manager oversees all warehouse operations within a high‑volume consumer products manufacturing environment. This leader is responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing material flow, implementing automation technologies, and ensuring safety, quality, and productivity standards are consistently met. The role requires a strategic operator with hands‑on experience managing automated systems, warehouse teams, and cross‑functional production support.

Operational Leadership — Direct daily warehouse operations including receiving, storage, inventory control, material handling, and outbound distribution to ensure efficient support of manufacturing and customer fulfillment.

Automation & Technology Management — Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated systems (e.g., conveyors, robotics, AS/RS, WMS/WCS platforms). Partner with engineering and IT to optimize system performance and uptime.

Team Management — Recruit, train, and develop warehouse supervisors, technicians, and material handlers. Build a performance‑driven culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Safety & Compliance — Ensure full compliance with OSHA, company policies, and industry standards. Drive proactive safety programs, audits, and corrective actions.

Process Optimization — Analyze workflow, labor utilization, and equipment performance to identify bottlenecks and implement lean practices that reduce waste and improve throughput.

Inventory Accuracy — Oversee cycle counts, reconciliation processes, and system accuracy within ERP/WMS platforms. Maintain high inventory integrity to support production planning and customer service.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration — Work closely with production, quality, procurement, and logistics teams to align warehouse operations with plant goals and customer requirements.

Budget & Resource Management — Manage departmental budgets, capital projects, staffing plans, and vendor relationships. Evaluate ROI for automation upgrades and equipment investments.

Performance Metrics — Track and report KPIs including throughput, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, downtime, and safety performance. Implement corrective actions to achieve targets.

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field is preferred

7–10+ years of warehouse or plant operations leadership within consumer products, food/bev, or manufacturing.

Proven experience implementing and managing automation technologies such as robotics, automated conveyors, AS/RS, WMS/WCS systems, or automated packaging lines.

Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and warehouse optimization methodologies.

Demonstrated success leading large teams in fast‑paced, KPI‑driven environments.

Proficiency with ERP and WMS platforms; experience with data analytics tools is a plus.

Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.

A successful Plant Manager in this environment is a decisive leader who blends operational discipline with technical fluency. They thrive in automation‑enabled environments, elevate team performance, and consistently deliver safe, efficient, and accurate warehouse operations that support the broader manufacturing strategy.