Plant Manager

Position: Plant Manger

Department: Operations

Reports to: VP of Operations

Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Production Manager, Maintenance Manager, Warehouse Manager,

Operations Analyst, EHS Coordinator

Date: 6/26/2024

About the Company:

Water Lilies Food, LLC is a private equity-backed manufacturer and distributor of premium Asian-inspired food. Established for 25 years, the Company moved to a 130,000 sq feet state-of-the-art facility in Bay Shore, NY (Suffolk County Long Island) in 2020, and is experiencing rapid growth. We are developing and supplying products for some of the leading retailers, wholesalers, and branded Asian-appetizer businesses. Our vision is to be the preferred supplying partner of premium Asian-inspired food. We achieve this by living up to our Mission to deliver our products and services with attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset, agility, and authenticity. Within our culture, team members can have a meaningful impact on the business and organization. We work collaboratively, and humbly strive to get better every day while being respectful of all talents and backgrounds. The Company is embarking on opening a 200,000 sq feet second facility slated for completion in late 2025. This is strategically aligned to double our business within the next 2-3 years.

Blue Point Capital Partners is a private equity firm managing over $1.8 billion in committed capital across its active institutional funds. With offices in Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle and Shanghai, Blue Point’s geographical footprint allows it to establish relationships with local and regional entrepreneurs and advisors while providing the resources of a global organization. BPCP typically invests in businesses that generate between $30 million and $300 million in revenue and are leaders in the markets they serve. BPCP acquired Water Lilies Food in August of 2022.

Job Summary:

The Plant Manger will report to the Vice President Operations and will provide overall leadership for the plant operations to include production efficiency, product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, physical asset management, supply chain effectiveness, cost control, workplace safety/security/health, community/employee relations and human capital development. The Plant Manager owns the plant culture and the change processes needed to drive manufacturing excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute plant-specific strategic vision, mission and objectives to assure continuous improvement and agreement on enterprise vision, mission and goals.
• Provide direct oversight for the operations management team including production, engineering, maintenance, planning, safety and logistics along with a strong connection to food safety, R&D, finance, and human resources.
• Achieve and maintain a zero-incident safety culture by implementing best practices, providing training and coaching, and conducting regular audits and inspections.

• Ensure compliance with all quality and food safety standards and regulations, including HACCP, GFSI, FDA, USDA, and customer requirements. Implement preventive and corrective actions to address any gaps or issues.
• Optimize production efficiency and capacity utilization by applying lean/six sigma principles, reducing waste and downtime, improving process flow and layout, and implementing new technologies and automation where appropriate.
• Manage and maintain industry leading standards for cleanliness and sanitation practices in the facility.
• Provide leadership for assessing and enhancing plant capabilities.
• Develop and manage facility budget including capital expenditures and cost management.
• Assure regulatory compliance including OSHA, USDA, and other governmental agencies.
• Deliver on-time and in-full service to customers by maintaining effective communication and coordination with sales, marketing, R&D, and logistics teams. Anticipate and respond to changing customer needs and expectations, and ensure product quality and consistency.
• Manage and reduce operating costs by implementing cost-saving initiatives, improving inventory management, negotiating with suppliers, and monitoring key performance indicators.
• Establish and track annual budgets and forecasts, and report on variances and action plans.
• Develop and retain a high-performing team by recruiting, training, motivating, and empowering associates. Promote a culture of engagement, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Provide feedback and recognition, and support career development and succession planning.
• Develop a culture based on open / honest dialog and involvement of all team members that demonstrates the value of their input / engagement in improving performance.
• Provide leadership for diversity and positive community involvement / relations.
• Ensure compliance with all Company policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Make decisions that are aligned with the Company’s vision, mission, and values.

Requirements / Competencies:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years in manufacturing experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in significant leadership role in a plant.
• Experience in multiple pillars of TPM (Leadership, Organization Capability, Focused Improvement, Progressive Maintenance, Autonomous Maintenance, Early Management, Supply Chain, Quality and Safety) required.
• Change Management skills.
• Food safety background.
• Experience with USDA.
• Fluent in Spanish language is preferred.
• Business, Analytical and Financial Knowledge.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Physical Requirements:

Mobility: The Plant Manager will need to move around various facilities, including office space, manufacturing sites.

Water Lilies Food, LLC. is a rapidly growing and innovative food manufacturer. We are seeking individuals who are career-minded and open to new challenges.