Head of Plant Operations

Head of Plant Operations

Des Moines, IA (

Description

Who we are and what we value:

Feed Energy works at the intersection of feed, fuel, and agriculture, building a nearly four-decade legacy of stewardship across the industries we serve. We support how America nourishes its people and powers its economy. Our team is made up of growth-minded individuals dedicated to transforming global practices in feeding and fueling. We create circular economies through sustainable, low-carbon products and processes. Join us if you are looking for a dynamic environment where you can help shape a more sustainable future.

We help feed the world by providing safe, energy-based nutrition solutions.

Creativity • Stewardship • Impact • Integrity • Healthy Relationships

What we are looking for:

The Head of Plant Operations is a highly visible, hands-on leader responsible for operational performance across all Feed Energy manufacturing facilities. This role leads Plant Managers and the Senior Operations Support Manager, establishes consistent operating standards, and ensures the plants function as one integrated operating system.

The Head of Plant Operations owns the execution of safety, quality, production, cost, reliability, and continuous improvement priorities across all locations. A key focus of the position is developing plant leadership capability, reinforcing accountability, and building the operating discipline required to deliver consistent results. This position reports to the Chief Operations Officer and requires up to 60% travel.

What you will do:

• Lead day-to-day operational execution across Feed Energy’s four manufacturing locations.

• Own plant performance targets, including throughput, yield, uptime, labor efficiency, cost per unit, and total operating cost.

• Establish consistent daily, weekly, and monthly operating routines, KPI reporting, and escalation processes.

• Maintain a visible presence on plant floors by observing work, coaching leaders, supporting problem-solving, and building relationships with frontline employees.

• Manage Plant Managers and the Senior Operations Support Manager, setting clear expectations and reinforcing accountability for results.

• Develop Plant Managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders through coaching, feedback, and hands-on leadership support.

• Manage plant operating expenses, including labor, maintenance, utilities, consumables, and outside services, within the approved operational budget.

• Partner with Finance on expense forecasting, variance management, and operating cost inputs for capital planning.

• Lead the daily execution of safety and environmental programs in partnership with the Environmental Health and Safety team.

• Uphold product quality standards and partner with Quality to reduce defects, product holds, and customer quality concerns.

• Build and enforce consistent operating standards and standard operating procedures across all locations.

• Eliminate unnecessary differences in processes, practices, and performance between plants.

• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving as part of daily operations.

• Coordinate operational priorities across Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, and Culture and Talent.

• Model servant leadership and build a culture of safety, ownership, accountability, development, and continuous improvement.

• Demonstrate Feed Energy company values in all everyday work interactions.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you will need:

• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.

• Proven experience directly leading multi-site operations, including three or more facilities.

• Demonstrated success building and implementing operating systems across multiple locations.

• Experience managing operating expenses and delivering cost performance within budget.

• Strong experience coaching and developing Plant Managers, operations leaders, supervisors, and frontline teams.

• A servant leadership mindset with the ability to establish clear expectations and accountability.

• Willingness to spend substantial time in manufacturing facilities and personally engage in operational problem-solving.

• Strong working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or comparable continuous improvement methodologies.

• Ability to partner effectively across operational, technical, financial, and people-focused functions.

• Ability to travel up to 60%.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.

• Advanced degree in Engineering.

• Experience in feed, food, chemical, lipid, or other process-manufacturing environments.

• Previous experience as a Plant Manager.

• Experience scaling operations during organizational growth or technology transitions.

• Experience using ERP and MRP systems, such as SAP or Oracle

What we provide, because we care!

In addition to a competitive annual salary, this position will be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. We offer a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and wellness reimbursement, a generous 401(k) match of up to 6%, paid time off and holidays, and continuing education support.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support. The company will not sponsor employment visas at this time.