Plant Manager

Kinsa is recruiting for a: Plant Manager / Dairy, Cheese Manufacturing

Location: Southern Wisconsin (Onsite)


A growing specialty cheese manufacturer is seeking a Plant Manager to lead the startup and ongoing operations of a new manufacturing facility in Southern Wisconsin. This is a unique opportunity to build a manufacturing operation from the ground up and leave a lasting impact on its people, culture, and performance. You will have the autonomy to establish systems, develop future leaders, and shape the future of a new facility while joining a company committed to craftsmanship, quality, and long-term growth.



Compensation/Benefits:

• $130,000 - $150,000 Base salary (Negotiable higher for right candidate)
• Annual Bonus
• Comprehensive Healthcare
• 401k with company match
• PTO and Holiday pay
• Relocation assistance

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, warehousing, and daily operational execution.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Establish scalable operational systems and processes that support quality, efficiency, and long-term growth.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, OSHA, FDA, GMP, and dairy industry regulations.
• Manage plant performance including labor, budgets, materials, productivity, and cost control initiatives.
• Partner with corporate leadership and cross-functional teams to support plant startup, operational excellence, and strategic objectives.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance productivity, consistency, and product quality.

Competencies Needed for Success:

• 8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably within dairy or food manufacturing environments.
• Experience building, launching, scaling, or significantly expanding manufacturing operations.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Hands-on leadership style with demonstrated success developing teams and building strong operational cultures.

• Experience managing plant budgets, labor, and operational performance metrics.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Dairy Science, Operations, or a related field preferred.

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!
Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at



Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Savage
View email address on click.appcast.io