Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Pine Island, MN facility in all areas of safety, quality, sanitation, cost management, customer service, production, and employee relations. Drive improved performance, champion safety and quality, optimize assets through data and AI, and foster a culture of positive employee relations. Report to the Sr Director, Dairy Foods Manufacturing.

Pine Island is a 24/7/365 dairy cheese facility that produces specialty dried cheese powders and dry blend seasonings supporting Land O’Lakes Specialty and Ingredients Business Unit. Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the facility, developing and executing strategies, and leading resources to maximize profitability and exceed customer expectations.

• Minimum of 10 years progressive manufacturing experience with proven leadership qualities and a demonstrated track record of delivering sustainable results.
• Food manufacturing experience, ideally Dairy and/or spray drying knowledge.
• Demonstrated success in LEAN/Six Sigma/TPM that results in cost savings, people engagement, and a stronger plant culture.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration, enhancing plant culture and driving business results through effective people leadership and development.
• Proven track record and demonstrated success in developing and maintaining positive Employee Relations and driving employee engagement.
• Skilled in developing strategic plans and translating them into actionable initiatives for site improvement.
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Food Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering or related education.

• Servant leadership style focused on coaching and developing plant leaders.
• Hands‑on, on‑the‑floor leader who understands plant opportunities and helps leaders achieve success.
• Strong manufacturing experience and ability to track and improve KPIs across safety, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Ability to lead the plant team in technical problem solving that improves results in safety, quality, cost, and productivity.
• Champion human and food safety as core values.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams (EHS, Quality, R&D, SO, Finance, Sales, Marketing) to resolve issues and drive value in shared goals.
• Drive innovation and reliability through the application of digital technology, AI, automation.
• Develop and implement cost savings initiatives and overall cost savings strategy.
• Possess financial acumen in evaluating financial results, material yield, plant efficiency, capacity, and labor productivity; able to set annual ABP budget targets; develop long‑range capital strategy and implement annual capital budgets.
• Communicate effectively, deliver impactful presentations, and influence others.
• Set and communicate clear strategic direction; execute with excellence.
• Determine best course of action in problem solving for quality, logistics, sourcing, and engineering requirements in a matrix organization.

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Progressive manufacturing experience in a food facility or dairy facility, with specific experience in spray dryers considered a plus.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement certifications.

Salary Range: $142,160 - $213,240. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.