Plant Manager

We’re working with a well-established and growing food & beverage manufacturer seeking a proven Plant Manager to join their team. This position will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of their new plant! This role includes hiring and training staff, partnering with upper management to establish production goals and implementing plant policies. The Plant Manager will foster a team-oriented environment where employee safety and product quality are top of mind.

Location: Greater Rochester/Syracuse region of New York.

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct and coordinate daily operations of the manufacturing plant.
• Oversee all levels of staff activity and performance.
• Develop processes to increase productivity and enhance performance.
• Ensure company policies and procedures are always followed.
• Screen, interview and manage the onboarding process of new hires.
• Provide operational support to production teams and managers on subjects such as controlling operational costs, maintaining operational efficiencies, personnel development, SOP management, maintaining high quality, maintaining a safe work environment, and continuously improving the operations.
• Must learn all aspects of all plant equipment and be able to operate that equipment as necessary.
• Communicate with and develop good working relationships with external entities (FDA, Ag & Markets, Weights and Measures, USDA, OSHA, etc.).
• Prepare and establish an annual budget for the operations department and meet this budget.
• Responsible for managing all shift production schedules.
• Conduct employee performance reviews.
• Schedule and conduct plant meetings and facilitate monthly meetings for the operational teams.
• Develop programs to allow for consistent reduction of operating costs year over year through effective management of the department.
• Maintain an active presence on the production floor and interaction with all employees whenever possible.
• Coordinates the planning, developing, scheduling, and delivery of operational education / training programs, including management training.
• Work with the director of engineering and maintenance manager to direct the operational programs to include plant utilities, refrigeration, maintenance, wastewater, PM programs, employee developmental programs, cost reductions, capital budget and planning, equipment specifications, product specifications and any other related functions for a world-class facility.
• Maintain accurate and current product manufacturing protocols for all products manufactured at the facility. Ensure that all product specifications are met during each production run.
• Work with vendors and suppliers to bring the best technologies, best practices and most dependable supplies and equipment at the most favorable price.
• Develop objectives, standard operating procedures, and performance standards for staff and prioritize projects within the operational department to meet departmental and company objectives.
• Investigate and respond to consumer and customer complaints. This function will work directly with the quality assurance and engineering departments.
• Assist in training of all plant personnel regarding good housekeeping, manufacturing procedures, allergen control, proper sanitation, product handling and other food quality related requirements.
• Must be able to work on evening shifts or weekends to support the needs of the food safety and quality programs.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field preferred.
• 5 years of experience of plant management in food manufacturing, dairy preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, MS Project, Visio and Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to work in environments with varying temperatures.
• Ability to navigate all areas of the facility, including office spaces, warehouse areas, and the exterior perimeter.
• Physically capable of standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, lifting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and crouching as needed.