Plant Manager

Location: Ripley, MS or Blue Mountain, MS • Onsite (Monday – Friday) • Relocation available

About the role

This is a high-impact leadership role for a manufacturing professional who enjoys balancing strategy with hands-on operational leadership. You'll lead a critical operation that supports Oil-Dri's specialty minerals business, driving safety, productivity, cost improvement, quality performance, and teammate engagement. The role offers significant visibility across the organization and the opportunity to influence plant performance, capital investments, continuous improvement initiatives, and long-term business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of plant operations, including production, maintenance, mining, quality, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, and staffing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage and develop department leaders and plant teammates, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives focused on efficiency, capacity improvements, and cost reduction.
• Monitor and report plant financial performance while driving corrective actions and continuous improvement plans.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional teams to optimize plant performance and customer service.
• Oversee capital projects, plant investments, and maintenance strategies, including the transition to predictive and preventive maintenance practices.
• Support mining and reclamation activities to ensure safe and sustainable raw material supply.
• Drive improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, asset utilization, and overall plant performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of manufacturing experience, including leadership responsibility across multiple operational functions.
• Proven experience leading plant operations, production teams, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated success developing leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets, capital spending, and performance metrics.
• Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes; experience with mining, minerals, bulk materials, or process manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, preventative maintenance, and operational excellence programs.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working in a highly visible leadership role that requires both strategic planning and daily operational execution.

Work Environment

• This position is based onsite at an active manufacturing and mine facility.
• Daily interaction with plant operations and production teams.
• Environment may include walking, climbing, and exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Requires consistent onsite presence; remote work is not available.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation + bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Paid parental leave, PTO, and holidays
• Employer-supported health and dental coverage
• Fitness and wellness reimbursement
• Annual merit increase opportunity
• Career growth through operational exposure and leadership visibility

About the Company

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading specialty minerals manufacturer serving consumer and business-to-business markets. We offer the stability of an established manufacturing company with the visibility, ownership, and direct impact of a more closely connected organization. Our teammates help Create Value From Sorbent Minerals every day.