Plant Manager

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on family, pride, passion, safety, and integrity. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location: 4040 7th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102

Position Overview:
The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production operations at the facility, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and personnel management. This leadership role ensures that daily operations align with company goals for efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement while fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage plant operations in all areas of responsibility including administration, production, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, inventory control, safety, and environmental.
• Develop and implement production schedules, workflows, and procedures to meet production targets.
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant key performance indicators (KPI’s) related to safety, quality, productivity, and finances. Strive for continuous improvement in KPI results. Promote continuous improvement culture and activities.
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, safety and operational reports to ensure compliance and determine causes of non-conformity with product specifications, customer requirements, FDA/government regulations, etc. Report any non-compliance immediately according to the established protocol.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production staff, fostering a culture of work and food safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Provide appropriate direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and task assignment. 
• Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths to support career development and succession planning efforts.
• Understand plant P&L to drive plant performance; participate in the development of annual operating, capital, and expense budgets; provide reliable and accurate information to finance to meet end-of-month closing schedules
• Manage the plant budget, including labor, materials, and overhead costs.
• Optimize resource utilization to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Promote a safe work environment by enforcing safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to manufacturing and safety.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
• Collaborate with other departments to drive innovation in product development and production processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field preferred but not required.
• 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing management role, preferably in the food or agricultural industry.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills with a hands-on management style
• Proven track record in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, SQF) and/or manufacturing best practices preferred
• Proficient in production planning, budgeting, and performance metrics
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Work Conditions

• The role is performed in a food manufacturing facility with exposure to dust, allergens (e.g., sunflower seeds), and varying temperatures depending on the area (e.g., roasting, milling, packaging).
• Noise levels may be high due to industrial equipment; hearing protection may be required in designated areas.
• Work may involve proximity to moving mechanical parts, forklifts, and other powered industrial vehicles.
• The facility operates under strict food safety and sanitation protocols; PPE (personal protective equipment) such as hairnets, gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed footwear must be worn as required.
• Shift work may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on production schedules.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to stand, walk, and move continuously throughout the shift.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Occasional climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching overhead.
• Manual dexterity required for operating controls, adjusting machinery, and handling packaging materials.
• Visual acuity and attention to detail required for inspecting products, reading gauges, and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to operational needs.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer. 
    

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program. 

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