Plant Manager

About the role

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese is opening a new cheese facility in Shullsburg, Wisconsin and seeks a Plant Manager to build the operation from the ground up, leading a team of about 30 employees, establishing standards, and shaping daily operations. Relocation support is available.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team while maintaining a safe work environment and clear safety accountability.
• Drive daily execution with urgency, accountability, and strong operational discipline.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, FDA, PMO, BRC, GMP, and dairy regulations).
• Manage plant performance, including labor, site budget, materials, and cost control.
• Establish systems that combine craftsmanship with data‑driven decision making.
• Develop leaders through training, coaching, and clear expectations.
• Oversee key vendors and service providers.
• Maintain strong communication across plant operations and corporate teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and consistency.
• Build a culture of ownership, integrity, and pride in the work.

Requirements

• 8+ years of manufacturing leadership experience (dairy or food strongly preferred).
• Experience building, launching, or scaling operations.
• Hands‑on leader who enjoys being on the production floor.
• High integrity; does the right thing even when it’s hard.
• Strong commitment to product quality and consistency.
• Builder mindset – comfortable creating systems, not just maintaining them.
• Comfortable using data and tools to improve operations and decision‑making.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary range: $120,000 – $140,000 per year, plus an annual bonus plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums.
• 15 days paid time‑off and 9 paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with company match.

About Sugar Mountain

Sugar Mountain is a creative, family‑owned food company that owns brands such as Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Mishima Reserve, and The Butcher’s Table. The company is committed to making real food with zero artificial ingredients and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace. It operates the Beecher’s Foundation, a non‑profit that educates consumers about food additives and promotes healthy eating choices.