Plant Manager

Role Overview: Plant Manager to lead a fast-paced food manufacturing facility. This role oversees production, packaging, quality, maintenance, and distribution, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards while driving efficiency and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of leadership experience in food or beverage manufacturing , a strong background in LEAN practices , and proven success in building high-performing teams. This is a hands‑on leadership role with responsibility for operational performance, budgets, and customer satisfaction. Job Requirements: Bachelor's degree in culinary or business management. A combination of education, training, and experience that results in demonstrated competency to perform the work may be substituted. Minimum of 8 years of experience in a managerial capacity in a manufacturing environment required. Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above. 6 years of increasing responsibility in a high‑speed food/beverage manufacturing or packaging environment with a high number of SKUs. Extensive experience in manufacturing management roles gained within consumer food production environments, with proven track record in leading manufacturing teams to improve continuously the efficiency of production methods and, ultimately, the quality of products. Experience operating within relevant regulatory requirements, e.g., FDA, OSHA, EPA, USDA, EEO, etc., Broader experience in operation roles with functional oversight experience of manufacturing, engineering/maintenance, supply chain and quality are highly desirable. Experience with manufacturing safety concepts, applications and committees. Extensive experience with and commitment to LEAN Manufacturing in a large‑scale complex environment, having successfully applied lean expertise to champion process improvement and cost reduction initiatives across diverse teams. Team management/leadership/development skills, including the ability to manage people in an organization matrix and get the best out of them, successful in building and mentoring high performance teams. Maturity, self‑confidence and strong communication skills will be critical for this role. A multicultural approach to operating in a diverse business environment. Comfortable communicating and operating within an internationally matrixed environment. Experience in financial management to include budget and analysis of projects and programs to ensure an acceptable return on investment is achieved. SAP knowledge is preferred Effectively communicate in Spanish and English both verbal and written (desirable) Be able to walk long distances and to be on his/her feet for long periods of time Able to work in dusty, noisy, hot, cold and small areas. Ability to work flexible hours (including night shifts and weekends) to manage a 3‑shift operation required. Personal Attributes/Skills Building highly effective, collaborative working relationships at all levels in the organization Strong ability to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) Effectively leading change in a business environment Strong fit with the Company's values and culture Bias to action, calmly solves problems, follow‑throughs, holds self & others accountable, willingness to do what it takes to get the job done Physical Requirements: Exposure to manufacturing environments including loud noise, excessive heat, cold, wet, and slippery conditions. Climbing to various heights via stairs or ladders Use of tools, equipment, and machinery Exposure to food tasting and smells including all food allergens Key Responsibilities: Lead Plant Operations: Oversee all functional areas (production, quality, maintenance, sanitation, distribution) to ensure alignment with company objectives and customer satisfaction. Drive Operational Excellence: Implement LEAN manufacturing principles, continuous improvement initiatives, and cost‑reduction strategies to optimize efficiency and productivity. Ensure Compliance & Quality: Champion safety, GMPs, and regulatory standards (FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA), ensuring consistent delivery of high‑quality products. Financial & Strategic Planning: Develop and manage budgets, analyze capital projects, and contribute to the plant's long‑term strategic operating plan. People Leadership: Build, mentor, and develop diverse high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and operational discipline. Executive Partnership: Act as a key liaison between plant operations and senior leadership, providing insights and recommendations to support organizational goals. Perform other job‑related duties as assigned. GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io so we can assist you. #J-18808-Ljbffr