Plant Director - Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Overview

The Plant Director is responsible for leading all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, inventory control, safety, and workforce management , within a high-volume, cGMP-regulated manufacturing environment.

This role ensures operational excellence across all shifts, delivering products on time, at the highest quality standards , while driving efficiency, profitability, and continuous improvement.

The Plant Director reports directly to the VP of Manufacturing Operations .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations across production, maintenance, and inventory control
• Ensure all activities comply with cGMP, SOPs, and FDA regulations
• Drive operational efficiency, throughput, and on-time delivery across all shifts
• Lead scheduling and production planning to optimize output and minimize downtime

• Ensure all products meet or exceed quality and customer expectations
• Maintain accurate production documentation, including batch records, QC logs, and packaging documentation
• Partner with Quality to ensure adherence to regulatory and internal standards

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and production teams
• Conduct ongoing training programs , including:
  • Safety training
  • Operator/machine training
  • cGMP and batch record compliance
• Drive a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Oversee performance management, including employee evaluations and development plans

• Own P&L performance for plant operations, driving profitability through:
  • Labor optimization and workforce planning
  • Process improvements and efficiency gains
  • Reduction of scrap, rework, and waste
  • Overtime management
• Implement systems and KPIs to track and improve productivity and cost performance

• Partner with Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Planning to ensure alignment on production schedules and customer commitments
• Communicate proactively on order status, risks, and production challenges
• Support business needs through flexibility and responsiveness in a fast-paced environment

• Ensure robust preventive maintenance programs are in place
• Maximize uptime and performance of all equipment and tooling
• Drive continuous improvement in equipment efficiency and reliability

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing , with leadership at the Plant Director or equivalent level
• Strong background in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing environments
• Proven success managing multi-shift operations and large teams
• Hands-on experience with vitamin/supplement processing and packaging preferred

• Deep understanding of cGMP, FDA regulations, and SOP-driven environments
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for production planning, inventory, and reporting
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including P&L ownership

• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and scale high-performing teams
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Track record of driving efficiency, quality, and cultural improvement

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and progressive manufacturing leadership experience considered