Plant Manager

About This Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to lead our production facility in Lowell, Indiana. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all aspects of bakery operations, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and foster a culture of safety, quality, and excellence. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Production Operations, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our operations while developing and mentoring a talented team of supervisors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support production team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment
• Determine labor requirements and optimize staffing to meet production goals and operational efficiency targets
• Ensure all products consistently meet defined quality standards and collaborate with cross-functional departments to develop innovative, customer-oriented solutions
• Manage equipment and facilities to maximize product quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety
• Analyze bakery operations performance, identify variances from established standards, and implement timely corrective actions
• Maintain transparent communication with leadership regarding daily plant activities, including staffing coverage, absences, and product availability
• Champion a zero-injury workplace culture by promoting safety best practices and compliance across all operations
• Ensure full compliance with applicable state and federal regulations and industry standards
• Build and sustain a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism that reflects company values
• Leverage data analytics across various operating systems and programs to drive informed decision-making
• Coach and develop production facility supervisors, building their competencies to support long-term operational growth
• Perform additional related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience
• 3 years of management or leadership experience in an industrial setting
• 5 years of experience in food manufacturing or similar industrial production environments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and SAP systems
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and access all operational areas

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of bakery operations, processing techniques, and product formulations
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma (DMAIC), Lean principles (Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, 5S)

Working Conditions

This position requires:

• Ability to work on various surfaces and access all areas of the production facility
• Flexibility to alternate between standing and sitting for extended periods, including time at a computer workstation
• Comfort working in environments with varying temperatures, noise levels, and food production odors
• Physical capability to move throughout the facility and perform operational oversight duties

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for a results-driven operations leader to make a significant impact in a growing organization. You'll lead a dedicated team, drive operational excellence, and contribute to our commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. If you're passionate about manufacturing excellence and team development, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to Apply?

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to submit your resume and a brief cover letter. Join our team and help us deliver excellence in food manufacturing.