Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead all aspects of a fast-paced beverage manufacturing operation. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing production, maintenance, quality, food safety, warehousing, and operational performance while ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have extensive food or beverage manufacturing experience, a strong background in change management, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

• Oversee daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, sanitation, and warehouse functions.
• Ensure production schedules are achieved while meeting efficiency, throughput, and yield goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and OEE optimization.
• Lead capital improvement projects, equipment upgrades, and production line installations.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and increase operational efficiency.

Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable FDA, OSHA, EPA, and local regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and improve food safety and quality management systems, including HACCP, SQF, BRC, GMP, and related programs.
• Lead internal and external audits and oversee corrective and preventive action plans.
• Promote a culture focused on product quality, food safety, and operational excellence.

Safety & Environmental Management

• Champion a strong safety culture focused on injury prevention and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Lead safety training initiatives, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership and direction to department managers, supervisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain top talent.
• Establish performance objectives, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

Financial & Performance Management

• Manage plant budgets, labor costs, and operational expenditures.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including OEE, yield, downtime, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and service levels.
• Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to support inventory management and production planning.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, R&D, Sales, and executive leadership to support business objectives.
• Lead efforts related to new product introductions, production trials, and process improvements.
• Provide regular reporting on plant performance, operational metrics, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field preferred.
• 10–20 years of progressive experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
• Strong experience in beverage manufacturing, including canning and bottling operations.
• Proven success leading manufacturing teams and managing large-scale plant operations.
• Experience driving organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Experience

• Beverage manufacturing experience.
• Experience with high-speed can and bottle production lines.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or related continuous improvement methodologies.
• Background in scaling operations within a growing manufacturing organization.