Plant Manager

Winchester, VA $-$

Our CPG food client is a well‑established dairy manufacturer with more than two decades of experience producing high‑quality, consistent products for both retail and food service customers. They are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at their manufacturing facility in Virginia and help drive the next phase of operational excellence.

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day manufacturing operations and leading all production‑related activities within the facility. This role focuses on driving efficiency, ensuring product quality and safety, meeting production targets, and developing a strong, accountable leadership team. The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience leading dairy manufacturing operations at scale, with a proven ability to implement continuous improvement initiatives and foster a high‑performance, people‑first culture.

• Lead and coordinate all production activities, including scheduling, labor planning, workflow optimization, and resource allocation
• Ensure production targets are met while maintaining high standards of efficiency, productivity, quality, and safety
• Develop and execute strategies that improve operational performance and support continuous improvement
• Build, coach, and mentor a high‑performing leadership team that values accountability, collaboration, and professional development
• Foster a results‑driven culture that aligns teams with business objectives
• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data‑driven decision‑making to reduce waste and improve throughput
• Monitor and optimize KPIs such as OEE, labor utilization, and production efficiency
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and quality standards, including FDA, USDA, OSHA, HACCP, and internal policies
• Champion workplace safety by enforcing EHS programs and proactively reducing incidents
• Manage production budgets, including labor, materials, and overhead; identify and execute cost‑control opportunities
• Oversee inventory levels of raw materials and finished goods in partnership with procurement and logistics teams
• Lead capital projects such as facility upgrades, equipment installations, and automation initiatives
• Ensure plant infrastructure and equipment are maintained for long‑term operational reliability

• 10+ years of plant or operations leadership experience within CPG, food, dairy, or beverage manufacturing
• Proven success leading cross‑functional teams in a high‑volume manufacturing environment
• Strong working knowledge of food manufacturing regulations and compliance requirements
• Hands‑on experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing budgets, P&L responsibility, and cost optimization initiatives
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline
• Proficiency with ERP systems and standard business software
• Experience working in high‑growth or entrepreneurial manufacturing environments preferred

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Production

Food and Beverage Services and Food and Beverage Manufacturing