Plant Manager

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operations across our Lebanon and Palmyra, Pennsylvania facilities. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Plant Manager will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring production goals are achieved, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

This leadership role oversees Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Transportation operations while ensuring products are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities
Operations & Production Management

• Lead and manage Production, Maintenance, Warehouse, and Transportation teams to achieve daily productivity and quality objectives.
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently while meeting customer requirements and delivery commitments.
• Manage production prioritization, product mix changes, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and product standard compliance.
• Drive operational performance through Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish, monitor, and improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all operational functions.
• Oversee root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) implementation.
• Maintain operational records, reports, and documentation in accordance with company and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, develop, and mentor supervisors and employees across multiple departments.
• Manage a workforce of 50+ employees, including temporary staff.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, engagement, and continuous learning.
• Identify opportunities to improve morale, shift performance, labor utilization, and operational efficiency.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, manpower planning, and expenditure management.
• Maintain a strong understanding of business profitability and operational costs.
• Develop and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business growth and customer satisfaction.

Customer & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with internal departments to ensure alignment on operational goals and customer expectations.
• Communicate with customers regarding labor requirements, equipment performance, production issues, and material concerns.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and drive issues through resolution, escalating when necessary.

Qualifications
Education

• College degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience

• 5-7 years of experience in food packaging and/or manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive management and leadership experience.
• Experience leading large teams in a fast-paced production setting.
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, SQF, USDA regulations, and quality management systems preferred.

Core Competencies

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to delegate effectively and hold teams accountable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all organizational levels.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong business acumen and ability to interpret financial and operational performance data.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proficiency with computer systems and the ability to quickly learn new software applications.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds on a repetitive basis.
• Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays when business needs require.
• Ability to travel independently between facilities and as needed to support company objectives and professional development.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing organization committed to operational excellence, employee development, food safety, and customer satisfaction. If you are a hands-on leader with a passion for manufacturing, continuous improvement, and team development, we encourage you to apply.