What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager position at Yummy Açaí?
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead and transform our food manufacturing operations during a critical growth phase.
This role is responsible for full plant performance, including production, food safety, quality alignment, team leadership, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of leading teams through audit readiness (SQF/GFSI), implementing process improvements, and driving automation and operational scalability.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong floor presence, decision-making, and the ability to stabilize and elevate operations in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Plant Leadership & Operational Ownership:
- Lead all day-to-day plant operations including Production, Warehouse, and Maintenance coordination
- Own plant performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics
- Establish structure, accountability, and consistent execution across all shifts
Production & Performance Management:
- Drive production output aligned with demand while improving efficiency and reducing waste
- Monitor and improve KPIs such as OEE, labor efficiency, downtime, and throughput
- Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve flow and capacity
Food Safety, Quality & Audit Leadership:
- Lead plant readiness for SQF and regulatory audits in close partnership with Quality leadership
- Ensure strong execution of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, and food safety standards
- Support corrective actions (CAPAs) and continuous compliance improvement
Automation & Continuous Improvement:
- Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce labor dependency
- Lead process improvements, layout optimization, and workflow redesign
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement across operations
Team Leadership & Development:
- Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and department leaders
- Build accountability and performance-driven culture across all levels
- Strengthen communication between Production, Quality, and Warehouse teams
Maintenance & Facility Coordination:
- Partner with Maintenance to ensure preventive maintenance programs are effective
- Support capital improvement initiatives and equipment upgrades
- Ensure minimal downtime and operational continuity
Required Qualifications:
- 10 years of experience in food manufacturing
- 5 years in a Plant Manager or Senior Operations role
- Proven success leading SQF, GFSI, or similar audit processes
- Demonstrated experience improving plant performance and operational structure
- Experience implementing automation or process improvement initiatives
- Strong leadership and team development experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
- Experience in cold-chain or temperature-controlled environments
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems
- Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement experience
Why Join Us:
- Opportunity to lead and transform a growing manufacturing operation
- Direct impact on plant structure, efficiency, and long-term scalability
- Work closely with ownership and leadership on strategic initiatives
- Be part of building a high-performing, audit-ready, and scalable operation