Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Plant Manager

We’re working with a major food manufacturer that’s seeking a Plant Manager. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to work in a state-of-the-art facility, contributing to the optimization of a major food production network in North America. This role will oversee all areas of the manufacturing facility in a 24/7 operation with multiple product lines, ensuring seamless operations in production, processing, quality, packaging, shipping, receiving, and inventory. This is an essential position for someone ready to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Location: Bethesda, MD

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate overall manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to strengthen plant capabilities through improved methods, equipment, technology, and operating practices.
• Manage facility operating costs and performance metrics, with particular attention to material loss, production yield, staffing efficiency, and manufacturing overhead; use continuous improvement principles to drive measurable gains.
• Lead the development of yearly plant operating and capital-spending plans, aligning financial requirements with projected demand, production needs, and inventory objectives.
• Partner closely with Finance by providing timely, dependable plant data needed to support accurate monthly financial reporting and close activities.
• Establish, document, and routinely update standardized work practices and operating procedures across plant functions.
• Champion a strong safety culture throughout the facility while maintaining manufacturing practices that meet established GMP requirements.
• Provide plant-level leadership for the food safety program, including identifying potential hazards, establishing preventive controls, and verifying through ongoing reviews that appropriate safeguards are followed throughout the receipt, production, handling, storage, and distribution of ingredients and finished products.
• Oversee readiness and execution for regulatory, customer, and internal corporate audits, ensuring the facility consistently meets applicable requirements and promptly addresses any identified gaps.

Required Skills/Qualifications:  

• 5+ years’ experience in plant operations/plant management (food industry experience is a plus). 
• 4+ years experience of ESL or Aseptic experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Operations Manufacturing Management or a related field 
• Strong working knowledge of the regulatory requirements, industry standards, and operating practices applicable to food manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of the cost drivers associated with dairy production and packaging operations.
• Proven ability to create, oversee, and manage operating and/or capital budgets.
• Demonstrated success building, coaching, and motivating teams, with a visible, hands-on leadership approach in a manufacturing environment.