Plant / MIll Manager

The Plant / Mill Manager role at Winland Foods provides hands on leadership and strategic direction making for critical manufacturing operations. This position will oversee plant wide operations (e.g. grain receiving and grading, grain processing and milling, rail car and bulk loading, flour and ingredient blending, along with other activities related to milled flour service and delivery for several pasta production sites throughout North America. Operational focus areas of responsibility will also include safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people leadership. Success in this role is driven by the ability to engage employees, leverage data and Lean principles, and deliver consistent results while maintaining a safe, compliant, and empowering work environment. Employee Type: Full time Location: ND Minot Job Type: Production Operations Job Posting Title: Plant / MIll Manager Job Description: Schedule: Monday – Friday for a 24/7 mfg operations Work Location: 5600 4th Ave NE, Minot, ND 58703 Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness. Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $93k -$138k with potential bonus. Safety, Quality & Compliance Champion a proactive, people‑first safety culture aligned with OSHA and company policies. Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, customer, organic, and corporate standards. Maintain superior sanitation and GMP programs that reflect pride in ownership. Lead risk identification, corrective actions, and continuous safety improvement. Operational Excellence Lead day‑to‑day manufacturing and/or milling operations to meet production, yield, and efficiency targets. Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality finished goods and raw materials that meet plant and customer requirements. Utilize KPIs such as OEE, efficiency, extraction rates, yields, uptime, and runtime to drive improvement. Balance performance across safety, quality, cost, service, and employee engagement. Continuous Improvement Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and variation. Apply root cause analysis and standard work to improve reliability, productivity, and cost. Drive year‑over‑year improvements in conversion cost, yields, and asset performance. People Leadership & Engagement Lead, coach, develop, and inspire supervisors, salaried leaders, and hourly teams. Create an inclusive environment where employees feel valued, heard, and accountable. Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management. Conduct timely, meaningful performance reviews and development planning. Foster positive employee relations built on trust, communication, and respect. Financial & Strategic Leadership Own or support the manufacturing operating budget (labor, utilities, supplies, and services). Identify, justify, and execute capital investments that deliver measurable ROI. Participate in business planning, goal setting, and execution. Partner cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, HR, and Procurement. Mill Operations Focus Production of up to 500 million pounds annually of semolina, durum, and hard red spring wheat flour products. Management of wheat quality, blending, inventories, extraction rates, and grain logistics. Direct oversight of milling, sanitation, and preventive maintenance programs. Setting the 3 to 5 year capital plan for the site to maintain operational capability, and provide opportunities for growth and innovation for the future. Plant Operations Focus Full manufacturing oversight of processing and/or packaging operations. Responsibility for plant‑wide KPIs including but not limited to timely and efficient receiving, outbound service level, order fill rate, and on time delivery. Leadership of multiple departments that have direct and indirect reporting alignment. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Milling Science, or related field. Minimum 5 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience. Experience in food manufacturing, processing, milling, or packaging strongly preferred. Lean / Continuous Improvement experience desired. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding safety, quality, cost, and delivery goals. Strong communication, coaching, and relationship‑building skills. Results‑driven leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. Physical & Working Conditions Manufacturing environment with exposure to temperature extremes, noise, dust, heights, and moving equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks as needed. Use of required PPE. Periodic travel to other Winland Foods locations may be required. EEO Statement: Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. About Us At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels. Why Work With Us? We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. That means: Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain. Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us. People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Our Culture We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive. Explore Opportunities At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food. To All Recruitment Agencies Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.