Job Title: Plant Manager

Reports To: Former Plant Manager / Owner

Location: Warden, WA 98857

Company Overview:

Our client is a leading provider of high-quality dairy products, committed to sustainability and excellence. We take pride in our innovative production processes and dedication to delivering fresh, nutritious products to our customers. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Plant Manager to join our team and lead our facility operations.

Job Summary:

The Plant Manager is a senior-level executive responsible for providing strong leadership and direction in all areas of facility operations, including administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, inventory control, shipping and receiving, purchasing, safety, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will be highly analytical, adept at managing complex processes, and capable of driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Collaboration: Collaborate with Ownership and the Director of Operations to ensure main points of emphasis and KPIs are met. Provide leadership and training to accomplish company and plant goals and objectives.
• Operational Management: Develop, direct, manage, and report on all manufacturing processes and related metrics for throughput, efficiency, productivity, cost, maintenance, quality, inventory control, downtime, and waste. Ensure the plant maintains a leadership position in the industry by adopting new technologies and processes.
• Production Coordination: Plan and coordinate all plant activities to achieve manufacturing targets and objectives. Work closely with the Floor Supervisor to ensure efficient and organized production flow.
• Warehouse and Inventory Management: Maintain strict organization of warehouses and conduct physical inventories as directed. Ensure all products meet corporate, regulatory, and customer quality and food safety requirements.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the implementation of the plant capital budget. Meet and/or exceed budgeted plant metrics.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance plant operations. Implement and maintain a preventive maintenance program to ensure all company assets are well-maintained.
• Safety and Compliance: Understand and meet all federal, state, and local environmental and regulatory health and safety standards. Ensure the safety of all employees through training, coaching, and procedural development/implementation.
• Policy Development: Develop and refine operations department policies, programs, procedures, documentation, and training. Ensure all activities comply with SQF requirements and industry best practices.
• Employee Management: Conduct mid-year and annual performance reviews for all plant employees. Develop and recommend employee incentive programs. Lead and support employee programs, including recruiting, selection, orientation, safety, training, engagement, and retention. Oversee succession planning and development of plant management staff.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

Experience as a Plant Manager or Production Manager in a food manufacturing facility (USDA preferred).

5-7 years of progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in a manufacturing environment.

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and quality systems.

Proven experience in leading change and quality improvement initiatives.

Proficiency with Excel, Word, and ERP systems.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Prior international experience preferred.

Direct Reports:

Production Supervisor

HR Generalist

Inventory Controller

Maintenance Manager

Production and Packaging Staff

Shipping and Receiving