Plant Manager

Scope of Position

The Plant Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all plant functions, including production, packaging, maintenance, quality, supply chain, purchasing, safety, and environmental compliance. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring efficient day-to-day plant operations, and executing site-specific strategic initiatives to achieve production, quality, safety, and financial performance goals. The Plant Manager fosters a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee development while ensuring compliance with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations to ensure customer demand is met while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, efficiency, and cost control.
• Oversee plant production, maintenance, packaging, quality assurance, supply chain, purchasing, and environmental operations to optimize performance and productivity.
• Drive operational efficiency through Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement initiatives, and Management Operating Systems (MOS).
• Manage plant financial performance, including labor, overhead, shrinkage, and operational expenses, to achieve budget and profitability targets.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets in partnership with cross-functional teams and aligned with sales forecasts and inventory plans.
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate and timely month-end closing activities and reporting.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are developed, implemented, and maintained across all operational areas.
• Champion workplace safety initiatives and ensure compliance with GMPs, OSHA, EPA, FDA, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain food safety and food security programs, ensuring preventive measures are implemented, monitored, and audited regularly.
• Lead all customer, corporate, and governmental audits to ensure ongoing compliance and operational readiness.
• Foster collaboration with other plant leaders to share best practices and implement operational improvements across facilities.
• Build and maintain a high-performing workforce through effective staffing, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Provide leadership and direction to plant management teams, including performance evaluations, training, promotions, corrective actions, and talent development.
• Support a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning throughout the organization.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in operations, maintenance, engineering, or process improvement roles.
• Proven experience leading and developing cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working within Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement environments required.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
• Working knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including OSHA, EPA, FDA, and GMP standards.
  
  

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to drive results and influence teams across the organization.
• Excellent business acumen with a strategic and operational mindset.
• Proven ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Strong financial and budgeting experience with a focus on operational efficiency and cost management.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and build strong working relationships at all organizational levels.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturing operations, safety standards, and process improvement methodologies.
• Results-oriented leader who exercises sound judgment and promotes a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.