Director, Plant Manager

About the Role

Direct and coordinate overall plant operations and priorities, ensuring product is produced efficiently and within cost parameters. Provide work direction to management and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Accountable for achieving the plant’s key performance indicators and supporting the Continuous Improvement (CI) initiative to enhance productivity, quality, efficiency, and facility culture. Manage the operating budget, including capital and expense projects, and oversee personnel activities such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant operations in all areas, including administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental.
• Establish production priorities to ensure efficient production within cost parameters while maintaining safety, quality, and sanitation standards; optimize workforce, machines, and equipment utilization.
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to ensure compliance and identify causes of non-conformity with product specifications, customer requirements, and FDA/government regulations. Report non-compliance immediately per established protocol.
• Analyze plant operations to maintain industry leadership and adopt new processes and technologies.
• Interact with customers to meet operational, service, financial, and quality expectations.
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, and finances. Promote a continuous improvement culture.
• Understand plant P&L to drive performance; participate in developing annual operating, capital, and expense budgets; provide accurate information for month-end closing schedules.
• Manage or oversee corporate, customer, and government audits to ensure compliance.
• Conduct meetings with management and staff to address operational issues and align on goals.
• Communicate company goals and assist in establishing objectives aligned with plant and company goals.
• Provide direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain effective personnel through selection, training, and task assignment. Support career development and succession planning.
• Maintain safe working conditions and comply with company, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
• Follow DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and adhere to company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; undergraduate degree in a related field preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food and/or beverage manufacturing.
• 2+ years of management experience.
• Proven track record of improved results in quality, safety, service, and cost.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance.
• Thorough understanding of continuous improvement models.
• Proficient understanding of regulatory laws and facility standards.
• Skill in leadership, coaching, and personnel management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Strong critical thinking, analysis, mathematical, and statistical evaluation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and foster teamwork.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work positively with others.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks using independent judgment.
• Initiative to find solutions to problems and present process improvements.
• Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
• Effective communication skills across all levels of personnel to meet customer needs.
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies.
• Adaptability to manage change effectively.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.
• Continuous learning mindset.