Plant Operations Manager

This range is provided by KCG Search. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $110,000.00/yr - $125,000.00/yr Direct message the job poster from KCG Search Managing Partner, KCG Search | Building Teams | Advancing Careers | Elevating Companies Our client, a small but fast-growing contract manufacturer serving the tea and nutraceutical industries is seeking a Plant Operations Manager. As Plant Operations Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role in scaling our operations, developing our people, and strengthening our culture of excellence and continuous improvement. If you thrive in a hands‑on environment where leadership, communication, and data‑driven decisions make a real impact — we’d love to meet you. The Plant Manager oversees all aspects of daily manufacturing operations — particularly blending and packaging — ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role emphasizes leadership, communication, and quantitative decision‑making. The ideal candidate builds strong teams, implements Lean Manufacturing practices, and fosters a culture of accountability, safety, and growth. This is a hands‑on leadership position that requires both operational excellence and strategic vision to support continued expansion. Key Responsibilities Production Planning and Scheduling Develop production schedules based on customer demand, manpower, resource availability, and capacity. Ensure operations run smoothly and production deadlines are consistently met. Managing Production Teams (Blending and Packing) Oversee supervisors, machine operators, and assembly line workers. Ensure staff are trained, motivated, and working efficiently to meet targets. Implement and sustain visual management and daily accountability systems that reinforce performance discipline. Maintaining High Quality Assurance Standards Ensure all workers are trained in basic SOPs and product specifications. Maintain adherence to all quality and safety standards in finished products. Ensuring Workplace Safety Champion a zero‑incident safety culture aligned with GMP, HACCP, SQF, and OSHA standards. Enforce safety protocols and create a safe working environment to prevent incidents and hazards. Drive measurable improvements in throughput, yield, and labor efficiency using Lean Manufacturing and data‑driven performance metrics. Establish, monitor, and continuously improve KPIs for productivity, quality, and cost reduction. Develop and maintain effective capacity planning to optimize labor, equipment, and material utilization. Cost Management and Budgeting Be fully accountable for plant operating budgets, including cost control, margin improvement, and capital planning. Manage resources effectively, minimize waste, and ensure operations remain within budgeted cost parameters. Inventory Management and ERP Utilization Utilize NetSuite ERP systems and data analytics to improve scheduling, identify bottlenecks, and enhance operational visibility. Maintain accurate inventory tracking and reporting. Equipment Management Ensure operators properly run and maintain equipment. Coordinate with the Maintenance team to ensure regular preventive maintenance (PMs) and timely service or repair to minimize downtime. Reporting and Performance Analysis Monitor KPIs, analyze production data, and prepare reports for management to inform decision‑making. Collaboration with Other Departments Work closely with Engineering, Quality, R&D, Warehouse, Sales, and Supply Chain to align production with customer priorities and delivery goals. Lead and support new product introductions and commercialization in collaboration with R&D, Quality, and Sales. Lead or participate in facility expansion, automation, and process modernization projects to support company growth. Promote a proactive, problem‑solving environment where teamwork and communication drive operational excellence. Skills Needed Computer Skills (ERP systems and Microsoft Excel proficiency) Minimum Qualifications 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role. Proven success leading teams in a food, beverage, or nutraceutical production environment. Strong understanding and hands‑on implementation of Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Deep working knowledge of process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, or 5S. Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and being accountable for operating budgets. Knowledge of capacity planning and ability to align schedules and resources with business demand. Experience implementing data‑driven management systems and using ERP or MES dashboards for performance tracking. Excellent quantitative, analytical, and organizational skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective cross‑departmental and remote coordination. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, or similar). Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience). Preferred Qualifications / Nice‑to‑Haves Experience building and scaling teams in a growing manufacturing environment. Experience with beverage or nutraceutical manufacturing processes (not bottling). Background in performance evaluation, budgeting, and cost analysis. Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop future leaders. Strong “outward mindset” — balancing personal performance with the success of the broader team. Exposure to agricultural, mechanical, or farm‑based work environments (valued for practical problem‑solving skills). Experience with OEE improvement, automation, or continuous improvement projects. This is an on‑site position only; remote work is not available. Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Manufacturing Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at KCG Search by 2x Get notified about new Operations Manager jobs in Brookshire, TX. #J-18808-Ljbffr