General Manager

Position Summary

Effectively manage, direct and control all operations of the plant to ensure established standards for product quality and safety, employee welfare and costs of operations are maintained through optimum use of personnel, materials, equipment and facilities while adhering to approved company policies. Be accountable for factory results through the coaching, developing and inspiring a high performing core team for Operations. Create an employee friendly environment where all employees are encouraged and developed to reach their full potential for long-term employee satisfaction. Support company customer service and inventory goals through direct management of purchasing, production scheduling, and product deployment. Interface regularly with other Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA) management to set and establish plant strategies, and guidelines meeting company short and long-term goals.

Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

• Accountable for desired factory results by providing visible leadership for the company's and factory's purpose, mission, and values through our total performance management (TPM) strategy, which includes goal alignment, employee involvement, root cause/countermeasure analysis, and loss reduction.
• Responsible for long-range planning, capital project executions, operational budgeting along with performance against that budget, cost reduction programs and factory total delivered costs.
• Model accountability by providing strong leadership and direction for the plant in all areas of responsibility including safety, quality, manufacturing, maintenance, materials management, administration, employee engagement and employee welfare.
• Work closely with corporate functional areas of AFNA, including the areas of production planning and inventory control, quality assurance, engineering, operational support & strategy, finance, purchasing and human resources. The position also interfaces regularly with R&D, marketing and sales to coordinate timely production and development of products and new processes.
• Responsible for the facility's financial performance. Establish and manage an annual budget as well as operational performance to fulfill company revenue and cost-cutting goals. Control operating and capital expenses.
• Prepare and deliver financial, performance, and operational reports to executive management, as well as recommendations.
• Set up key performance indicators (KPIs), meet with management monthly, and report on KPIs.
• Directs loss prevention and effort to reduce accident incident rates and workers compensation liability.
• Responsible for asset and facility stewardship, to include but not limited to, proper security for employees and the facility, fire prevention, facility, property and asset degradation.
• Ability to generate and foster a healthy team atmosphere in which employee needs and concerns are acknowledged and handled. Lead the team's recognition and celebration of accomplishments and behaviors.
• Create an environment where product quality and safety is a priority, and is as important as productivity. Work closely with Corporate EHS and FSQA to implement and enforce these quality standards and guidelines.
• Must ensure plant and personnel meet all government requirements including USDA, FDA, EPA, OSHA, CAL-OSHA, EEOC, local regulatory agencies, etc.
• Ensure strong paths of communication are developed and maintained between all departments and levels of employees.
• Support the development of others (both salaried and hourly team roles) in technical and leadership capabilities to achieve a stronger one team culture.
• Establish and maintain a proper company image and good community relations.

Position Qualifications

Education, Certifications and Experience

Education

4 Year / Bachelors Degree: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, etc.) required.

Experience

8 to 10 years of hands‑on experience, preferably in the food industry. A minimum of 5 years of this experience must be in prior plant management or operations management of a complex operation that included multiple lines, high speed/high volume production and a continuous improvement mindset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with operating a food facility regulated by USDA and/or FDA is required; experience with Ready-to-Eat (RTE) facility operations a plus.
• Ability to analyze and interpret manufacturing variances to ensure performance to budget in order to drive the plant’s financial performance.
• Financial budgeting and P&L understanding for annual facility operating budgets, product costing and business profitability focus.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize, balance, and manage multiple efforts with strong results/goal orientation.
• Must have strong leadership, team building and communication skills.
• Ability to identify employee skill level and delegate responsibility accordingly.
• Solid organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to show good judgment and sound reasoning skills.
• Must have strong social skills; must be able to work well with others, train and supervise staff; motivate employees, and direct activities.
• Must be able to multitask effectively, able to organize work, formulate policy, plan budgets, assess, evaluate and solve problems.
• Must be a team player, which includes the ability to work with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Must have strong floor presence with the ability to interact effectively with employees at different skill levels.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and the noise level can be moderate. To protect against these conditions, frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

• Sit – Frequent
• Stand – FrequentWalk – Frequent
• Lift – Frequent
• Bend/Twist – Frequent
• Reach – Frequent
• Vision – Close vision and the ability to adjust focus – Constant

Position is characterized as active work. Job demands may require long periods of sitting; long periods of standing; telephone work and/or computer work as well as interactions with other employees and customers; filing in lateral and upright file cabinets. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. The employee must be capable of working in hot (100 °F) or cold (0 °F) environments for extended periods of time. Some travel will be necessary.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Pay range

$189,450 - $231,550 / yr DOE

30% STI annual bonus

Relocation assistance

Ajinomoto Foods Benefits | Benefits Hub 2026