Plant Manager

Plant Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Plant Manager to oversee our aseptic food manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate should have a strong technical background in food processing and a proven track record in leading teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring efficient operations. As the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality control, safety, maintenance, and employee development.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Uphold SQF requirements including promotion of a strong & positive food safety culture
• Active involvement in implementation, upkeep and continuous improvement of food safety as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Stewardship for our B-corp mission to promote worldwide health and wellness by fostering the delivery of high quality, healthy foods through sustainable methods.

Duties/Responsibilities

1. Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring production targets are met while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
• Optimize production processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement measures to increase productivity and reduce costs.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve plant performance.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and quality assurance protocols.

2. Team Building and Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of production staff, supervisors, and technicians.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous learning.
• Set clear goals and expectations for individual team members, providing regular feedback and conducting performance evaluations.
• Identify training and development needs, implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge.

3. Continuous Improvement:

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the plant.
• Drive Lean manufacturing initiatives, such as Kaizen, Six Sigma, and 5S, to optimize processes and eliminate waste.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations to identify and resolve production issues and implement preventive measures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and process enhancements.

4. Strategic Planning and Budgeting:

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and execute plant strategies aligned with company goals and objectives.
• Work with senior management to develop and monitor expenses, ensuring cost control and adherence to financial targets.
• Assess and recommend investments in equipment, technology, and infrastructure to support production growth and efficiency.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Thorough working knowledge of all current OSHA and Safety Standards
• Attention to detail
• Must work well in teams and demonstrate behavior conducive to promoting strong teamwork
• Must possess a positive attitude in a fast-paced production environment

Education and Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, or equivalent work experience
• Proven experience as a Plant Manager or in a similar leadership role within the aseptic food manufacturing industry.
• Strong technical background in food processing, including knowledge of aseptic processes and equipment.
• Ability to work on, maintain, and troubleshoot aseptic processing and filling equipment
• Better Processing Certification
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and their practical application.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a data-driven and analytical approach.
• Sound knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements in the food manufacturing industry.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge of Food Safety, Safety Programs/Systems HACCP, GMP's, SQF etc.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in food processing facility.
• Higher education in management, business, engineering, related field, or equivalent experience will be considered
• At least 5 years plant operations experience
• Proven supervisory skills and demonstrated leadership skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for 8-hour shifts
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times multiple times per shift
• Frequent bending, crouching, or twisting
• Work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces, heights, and temperature extremes to complete work assignments