Plant Manager

Guided Search Partners (GSP)

Guided Search Partners is an Executive Search firm built on Trust, Transparency, Specialization, and Long-term Relationships. We connect high-performing professionals with organizations that value people, performance, and growth—helping leaders find roles where they can make an impact and build meaningful careers.

We’re partnering with a mission-driven food manufacturing organization focused on delivering dependable, high-quality meals s Plant Manager role is the senior operational leader on site—responsible for balancing quality, service, and efficiency while building a culture of safety, engagement, and continuous improvement.

The environment is fast-paced and standards-driven, with strong expectations around food safety, compliance, and performance. This opportunity is best suited for a hands-on, collaborative Plant Manager who enjoys owning results, partnering closely with support functions, and developing leaders who can sustain improvement long after the initial push.

• Lead all plant operations to achieve the right balance of quality, service, and efficiency while delivering operational excellence.
• Support development and execution of site strategy, policies, and practices tied to food safety, capacity, service, and financial outcomes.
• Align manufacturing activities with supply chain requirements to ensure consistent fulfillment.
• Partner with home office support teams to strengthen engagement, employee relations, training/development, and safety performance.
• Serve as a key liaison to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and agencies (OSHA, FDA, USDA, EPA).
• Establish, monitor, and drive performance against key metrics (KPIs).
• Own site-level food safety accountability and ensure standards are embedded in daily operations.
• Ensure timely, accurate completion of operational responsibilities and reporting.
• Travel occasionally for business needs.

You’re a steady, people-centered operations leader who sets clear expectations and follows through. You’re comfortable being visible on the floor, partnering with teams across the business, and maintaining an open-door leadership style. You bring strong business insight, communicate clearly, and know how to drive change without creating friction. Developing talent is a core part of how you lead—not an afterthought.

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) or higher.
• 10+ years of food manufacturing experience with strong understanding of industry standards and operations.
• 5+ years of proven success as a Plant Manager.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience managing a P&L.
• Experience driving Continuous Improvement / Process Improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership approach with a focus on engagement and accountability.
• Track record of mentoring, developing talent, and building succession plans.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while holding a high bar for quality and safety.
• Black Belt/Green Belt certification (preferred).
• Bilingual Spanish/English (preferred).

The Plant Manager sets the tone for everything—food safety, quality, service, cost, and culture. This role ensures the site meets customer needs consistently while building the systems, talent, and engagement required for long-term performance. If you’re energized by leading a full operation, improving processes, and developing people, this role offers meaningful impact and visibility.

• Leads the plant and all manufacturing-related activities on site.
• Partners closely with home office support functions across supply chain, HR, quality/food safety, and compliance.

Physical Requirements

• Regular use of hands/arms for handling objects, tools, and controls; reaching required.
• Frequent standing, communicating, and listening; occasional walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching.
• Occasional lifting/moving up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements and work in variable temperatures (cold/hot).
• Visual requirements include peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.