Plant Manager

About the role

The Plant Manager at Kevin's Natural Foods is responsible for managing all aspects of production operations at the Imperial Manufacturing Facility in Stockton, CA. This role oversees day-to-day manufacturing operations, inventory control, food safety and regulatory compliance, process optimization, project execution, and associate engagement.

Responsibilities

• Cascade the 3-year site improvement plan into a 1-year improvement plan for Imperial operations with corresponding detailed 90 day plans.
• Drive daily and weekly connection points within the relevant operational meetings in identifying gaps to defined standard performance from 3 year/1 year plan (Safety, Quality, Efficiency, Service, Cost).
• Implement and deploy standard planning processes for factory scheduling.
• Implement and deploy standard planning processes to ensure raw and packs availability as well as outbound shipments on time.
• Further enhance and develop the culture of adherence to standard by leading and deploying the operations Manufacturing Excellence pillar team.
• Build capability in operations by providing resources for improvement activities in different pillars, such as participating in Autonomous Maintenance activities linked to Manufacturing Excellence pillars.
• Build change management capability and drive change through engaged and empowered associates.
• Ensure products consistently meet Kevin's Natural Foods quality standards, customer requirements, and food safety expectations.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, R&D, Engineering, and Maintenance teams to optimize operations and drive business results.
• Lead manufacturing cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Coach and develop front-line leaders and team members to solve operational challenges and achieve performance goals.
• Maintain equipment reliability and partner with Maintenance to improve uptime and asset performance.
• Support capital projects, facility improvements, and operational growth initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or similar field.
• 5+ years of leadership experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing operations within a food manufacturing facility.
• Experience with IQF (Individually Quick Frozen), blast freezer, and/or spiral freezer operations preferred.
• Experience leading teams within a USDA and/or FDA regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success partnering cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Operations, Maintenance, Materials, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams.
• Familiarity with WCM programs such as TPM/IWS/WCM.
• HACCP certification or formal HACCP training required.
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and quality management programs.
• Proven ability to implement and sustain manufacturing process improvements, productivity gains, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Effective leadership, coaching, team building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Healthy, diverse teams breed innovation.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Effective leadership, coaching, team building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Salary Range: $170,000.00 - $208,000.00 annually + benefits + bonus.
• Compensation within this salary range is dependent upon the candidate's experience, education, and relevant qualifications.
• Kevin's Natural Foods uses E-verify to confirm employment eligibility.