Plant Production Manager

Plant Production Manager – Refinery F (Keokuk, IA)

We are looking for a Plant Production Manager to lead frontline operations for our Refinery F team, responsible for manufacturing polyols, mannitol, and maltitol in a food‑grade environment.

Compensation range: $131,731 – $178,322, plus performance‑based incentive compensation.

Operational Leadership and Production Execution

Lead day‑to‑day production operations, monitor performance across rotating shifts, set daily production priorities, and ensure products meet quality, on‑time shipment, and customer requirements.

Team Guidance and Accountability

Provide tactical and strategic direction for 24/7 operations, cultivate accountability, responsiveness, collaboration, continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and system discipline.

KPI Management and Performance Analysis

Gather, monitor, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), communicate targets, develop action plans, and lead regular team reviews to reinforce accountability.

SAP / Symphony Accuracy and Production Data Integrity

Ensure accuracy and timeliness of production entries, validate transactions and inventory data, investigate discrepancies, and support reporting accuracy.

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

Lead operations with a focus on safety, environmental compliance, and quality production, maintaining process controls and leading RCA investigations when necessary.

Planning, Coordination, and Resource Management

Support and lead planning across production, maintenance, and operational activities to maximize efficiency, balance budgets, and coordinate cross‑functional resources.

Troubleshooting and Continuous Improvement

Drive technical and non‑technical troubleshooting, remove operational barriers, encourage employee ideas, and lead continuous improvement initiatives.

People Leadership and Development

Provide clear communication and day‑to‑day leadership, develop employees through coaching and performance reviews, build team capability, and resolve personnel issues with Human Resources.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent technical process experience.

Experience

• 8+ years in a food and/or chemical continuous processing plant; 10+ years preferred.
• 8+ years of leadership and/or supervisory experience desired.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Experience in program or project development and execution.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to multitask and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Deep understanding of chemical unit operations in food‑grade processes, processing theory, mechanical aptitude with process equipment, and production accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SAP and Symphony or similar ERP/manufacturing systems.
• Experience managing KPI performance in a complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience in unionized operations.
• Experience in specialty ingredient, polyol, mannitol, or maltitol manufacturing environments.

The role spends approximately 50% of the time in an office environment and 50% in the plant environment.

Requires speaking or hearing; frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs, using hands and fingers, reaching, and working in hot, cold, and loud environments. Must be able to wear a respirator.

Travel required for projects at other manufacturing plants (US, Canada, Brazil). 80% of projects take place in Keokuk, IA. Occasional international travel may be expected.

Roquette is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Other duties may be assigned as needed. This job description is not exhaustive and may change over time with or without notice.