Plant Manager (Gary)

Indiana Sugars is seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations at our Gary, Indiana facility. This leadership role drives operational excellence across production, safety, quality, food safety, maintenance, inventory management, and employee engagement.

The Plant Manager partners closely with leaders in Safety, Quality, Human Resources, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance to ensure the facility consistently delivers high-quality products while meeting business objectives for safety, service, and efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, food safety, productivity, reliability, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Lead manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, and operational teams to ensure production targets and customer delivery expectations are achieved.
• Analyze operational and financial performance to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that support plant and company growth objectives.
• Oversee major projects, capital improvements, operational initiatives, and performance reporting.
• Manage plant costs and resources to achieve or exceed budget and profitability goals.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Champion employee development through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative work environment where employees can contribute ideas and drive continuous improvement.

Q ualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Previous leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• SQF experience is required.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading large, diverse teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to drive operational improvements and achieve measurable business results.

Preferred

• SQF Practitioner Certification.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing plant budgets and financial performance.
• Knowledge of inventory control and warehouse operations.
• Experience leading change management and operational transformation initiatives.
• Working in unionized environments.

What We're Looking For

• Leads with integrity and accountability.
• Builds high-performing teams.
• Creates a positive and motivating workplace culture.
• Makes data-driven decisions.
• Effectively manages competing priorities.
• Drive results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and food safety.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Join Our Team

If you are a strategic manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence, employee development, and continuous improvement, we invite you to apply and become part of a growing organization committed to safety, quality, and customer success.

Indiana Sugars is an Equal Opportunity Employer.