Plant Manager

About the role

Lead a high-performing manufacturing operation where engineering, innovation, and operational excellence come together to drive business results. As Plant Manager of the Friendship, WI location, you will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day leadership of a complex whey processing facility, leveraging engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer service performance. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead cross-functional teams, develop long-term operational strategies, and partner with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Maintenance to implement process improvements and capitalize on growth opportunities. This role is ideal for a technically-minded leader who enjoys translating data into action, solving complex operational challenges, and delivering measurable results. You will champion lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and process optimization initiatives while overseeing regulatory compliance, food safety programs, capital improvements, and talent development. With significant influence on facility performance and future direction, you'll have the opportunity to drive innovation, lead transformational change, and make a lasting impact on both the business and the people who power it.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership of a complex whey processing facility.
• Lead cross-functional teams and develop long-term operational strategies.
• Partner with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Maintenance to implement process improvements and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Champion lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and process optimization initiatives.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, food safety programs, capital improvements, and talent development.
• Drive innovation and lead transformational change.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (4‑year) in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Leadership, Industrial Technology, or a related field.
• Eight (8) or more years of related experience in high‑level operations leadership/management, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge and experience of lean principles and process optimization.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local food and water regulations, including CFR, FSMA, the PMO, and the Bioterrorism Act.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team‑building abilities.
• Ability to work with people at all levels and across all functions.
• Strong decision‑making, organizational, and reasoning skills.
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Vision and passion for the role.
• Strong ability to delegate.
• Business acumen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cross‑functional experience and training in other operations functions such as Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Safety, etc.
• Certification in lean manufacturing (e.g., Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma).

Benefits

• Low‑cost onsite clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout the facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Associate cheese purchasing program.
• Two‑year mentorship program.
• Paid parental leave.