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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and use Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and / or Access) to analyze data and trends.
• Previous experience best practices implementing and using continuous improvement / lean tools such as Six Sigma, 5‑S, Lean Manufacturing, Transactional Lean, etc. to drive improvement.
• Previous experience broad understanding of safety systems and enforcement of safety rules and policies.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, team building and advanced coaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate people, assess and develop employee skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and applications associated with manufacturing operations, maintenance and engineering.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to balance production and maintenance needs.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and listening ability.
• A strong ability to be adaptable and flexible.
• Strong analytical and decision making skills.
• Ability to work with teams and lead decision making processes in a team environment.
• Highly motivated, results oriented, driven.

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

HACCP Certification

Preferred qualifications:

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