Plant Manager; Liquid Feed Manufacturer; IL

Plant Manager

My client, Liquid Feed Manufacturer, has an exciting opportunity as a Plant Manager at their facility in northwestern Illinois. This role carries full responsibility for the plant's operations, including P&L oversight, budgeting, and managing a team of up to 15 employees. 5 days a week with 3 shifts. The facility will be upgrading equipment & processes this year, therefore, they are looking for someone with engineering and project management experience. The Plant Manager will work closely with the Regional Manager and collaborate with the commercial, finance, and HR teams to achieve plant objectives. This position offers a broad perspective of the company’s overall business.

As a global supplier and the largest producer of liquid supplements for livestock, the company manufactures a range of products including tub supplements, feed mill products, dried molasses, and industrial products. They also leverage co-products from various industries to create safe, high-quality, and cost-effective livestock feed supplements. With 21 production facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the company is a world leader in trading agricultural products.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a zero-incident culture, prioritizing safety and environmental protection.
• Ensure all tasks are performed safely, adhering to regulations, quality standards, and company policies.
• Effectively communicate with departments such as EHS, Production, QC/QA, Maintenance, Logistics, and Sales.
• Manage P&L to meet financial goals at both regional and corporate levels.
• Maintain capital assets and oversee capital improvements and construction projects.
• Handle employee management, including hiring, discipline, performance reviews, and safety programs.
• Develop and maintain customer relationships with a focus on quality and quantitative measures.
• Stay informed on changes in technology and working conditions to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Support employee development plans to meet departmental objectives.
• Implement company policies regarding worker safety, regulations, and procedures.

• Manage plant costs, assets, maintenance, and capital for all equipment.
• Oversee inventory management.
• Handle contracts and subcontracts related to plant operations.
• Implement and manage plant security, environmental testing, corrective actions, and permits.
• Conduct plant inspections and manage project quality control.
• Oversee plant truck distribution and logistics.
• Report and investigate accidents or unsafe conditions.
• Manage contracts with rail carriers, land leases, transloaders, truck companies, and equipment.
• Maintain detailed reports on production, inventory, and equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate with state, county, and local government agencies.

Skills and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree is highly preferred.
• Mechanically inclined or extensive maintenance experience is essential
• 5-10 yrs industry leadership experience is required; preferably in agriculture, bulk liquids, chemicals, fertilizers, terminal operations, or food manufacturing.
• Industrial engineering background or capital project management experience is necessary
• Knowledge of drying systems, steam boilers, compressors, loading racks, product blenders, & automation
• Experience with multi-mode bulk liquid handling, including truckload, barge, and rail.
• Experience with packaging equipment
• Computer skills and familiarity with inventory programs, MS Windows, and plant automation software.
• Proven expertise in planning, budgeting, reporting, and staffing.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to present at all organizational levels.
• Ability to resolve issues and overcome obstacles to meet objectives.
• Physically fit to:
  • Perform manual handling activities.
  • Work at heights and in confined spaces without limitations.
  • Use vertical ladders, platforms, scaffolding, railcars, truck trailers, and land tanks.
  • Operate a forklift.