Plant Manager

Reference: PR/598650_1782419330OverviewA rapidly growing, high-performance food manufacturing organization is seeking a Plant Manager to drive operational excellence, optimize production performance, and lead a team of Supervisors in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.This role is ideal for a hands-on, data-driven leader with a passion for continuous improvement, team development, and Lean manufacturing principles. The Plant Manager will play a critical role in aligning production execution with strategic objectives while ensuring compliance with Food Safety, GMP, and SOP standards.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & StrategyPartner directly with the VP of Manufacturing to translate strategic objectives into actionable production plans and KPIsDrive execution of production schedules to meet throughput, efficiency, and customer delivery targetsAnalyze labor models, staffing levels, and production capacity to optimize workforce planning and reduce overtime spendIdentify and implement process improvements, workflow optimization, and cost-saving initiativesProduction & Performance ManagementLead, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors to ensure consistent execution across all shiftsMonitor key performance indicators including OEE, productivity, downtime, and yieldEnsure alignment of raw materials, packaging, and inventory readiness to support uninterrupted productionChampion a data-driven approach to problem-solving and operational decision-makingContinuous Improvement & Lean InitiativesDrive a culture of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement (CI)Lead initiatives focused on process standardization, waste reduction, and operational scalabilityImplement and refine SOPs and operational run rules to enhance consistency and qualityPartner cross-functionally to improve equipment reliability and production efficienciesPeople Leadership & Talent DevelopmentBuild a high-performance, accountability-driven culture across all production teamsProvide coaching, mentorship, and leadership development for SupervisorsFoster employee engagement through clear communication, recognition, and continuous learning initiativesPromote a culture rooted in safety, collaboration, and operational excellenceSafety, Quality & ComplianceEnsure full compliance with Food Safety regulations, GMP standards, and internal quality systemsDrive a proactive safety culture with a focus on incident prevention and risk mitigationOversee accurate documentation of production, HR, and compliance-related activitiesCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Supply Chain, Maintenance, Quality, and HR to ensure seamless plant operationsCommunicate effectively with senior leadership on performance, risks, and improvement opportunitiesEnsure timely resolution of production, safety, and employee relations issuesKey QualificationsProven experience in a Plant Manager or Senior Production Leadership role within manufacturing (food/pharma preferred)Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement methodologiesDemonstrated ability to lead teams in a high-speed, high-volume production environmentExpertise in workforce planning, performance metrics, and process optimizationStrong leadership presence with excellent communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skillsHigh level of integrity, accountability, and operational ownershipCore CompetenciesOperational Excellence & KPI ManagementLean Manufacturing & Continuous ImprovementLeadership Development & Team BuildingRoot Cause Analysis & Problem SolvingCross-Functional CollaborationProcess Optimization & StandardizationSafety & Quality ComplianceData-Driven Decision Making