Plant Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionLocation: Sardis, MississippiJob Title: Plant ManagerReports To: VP of OperationsFLSA Status: Salary, ExemptCompensation: $110,000 – $140,000Position SummaryThe Plant Manager, Sardis is responsible for leading a multi-line manufacturing facility encompassing spray drying, granulation, fulvic, liquid, and specialty production. This site also serves as the company’s most customer-facing facility and houses critical R&D research assets, which are managed by R&D but require direct operational oversight. This role is accountable for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while leveraging ERP (NetSuite) as the system of record for production planning, labor scheduling, inventory management, compliance, and reporting. The Plant Manager must effectively balance commercial production demands with development and pilot-scale runs in close partnership with R&D, while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.Roles & ResponsibilitiesUse ERP (NetSuite) as the system of record for all site activities including scheduling, production tracking, inventory management, order fulfillment, and complianceDrive ERP data accuracy and utilization to support decision-making, standardized operator workflows, and site-wide performance monitoringOversee daily operations across spray drying, granulation, fulvic, liquid, and specialty production linesOptimize scheduling, throughput, and critical-path workflows to minimize downtime and maximize efficiencyEnsure consistent raw material flow, warehouse accuracy, and on-time customer shipmentsEnforce site-wide adherence to EHS, regulatory, and internal quality standardsPartner with Quality to integrate routine product testing into daily operational checksEnsure compliance with customer requirements and audit standards in a high-visibility, customer-facing environmentProvide operational oversight for R&D assets and pilot equipment located at the Sardis facilitySupport scale-up trials, development runs, and process optimization initiatives without compromising commercial production performanceFacilitate smooth and repeatable transitions from pilot-scale to full-scale manufacturingLead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and operators across multiple shiftsDesign and implement structured operator training programs with emphasis on safety, ERP usage, and technical competencyPartner with HR to recruit, retain, and promote local talentBuild and manage shift schedules balancing production requirements, maintenance needs, and R&D flexibilityUtilize ERP-driven labor planning to optimize resource allocation and reduce inefficienciesEnsure adequate cross-training to improve coverage, agility, and operational responsivenessRepresent Sardis operations during customer visits, audits, and product demonstrationsMaintain a high level of site professionalism as the company’s flagship customer-facing facilityCollaborate closely with R&D, Commercial, Engineering, and Procurement teams to meet internal and external objectivesOwn plant-level budgets, KPIs, and operational metricsTrack and drive improvements in cost per unit, yield, labor utilization, and equipment uptimeLead capital project execution and continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency and scalabilityQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Operations, or a related field.10+ years of plant operations or production leadership experience with multi-line, multi-shift oversight.Proven success leading customer-facing manufacturing operations.Experience supporting R&D activities, pilot-to-scale transitions, and product optimization initiatives.Demonstrated strength in people leadership and operator training development.Expertise in ERP-driven operations management, Lean manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement.Ability to balance production discipline with R&D flexibility.High proficiency with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and data-driven reporting tools.Strong communicator with the ability to influence across technical, commercial, and R&D teams.Preferred QualificationsAt least one year of hands-on experience using NetSuite in a manufacturing environment.Proven people leadership experience managing teams of 10–25 employees.Background in spray drying and packaging operations.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.Demonstrated success building high-performing, customer-facing production teams.Experience managing operations in a headquarters or flagship facility environment.Familiarity with international shipping documentation, including Bills of Lading, Certificates of Origin, and phytosanitary requirements.Benefits401(k) contribution matchPaid Time Off (PTO)Medical, Dental, and Vision coverageShort-term and long-term disability insurance