Plant Manager

About the Role

As the Plant Manager, you will oversee the manufacturing and administrative aspects of our facility, leading all staff operations to ensure employee safety and the efficient handling of ingredients, processing activities, and shipment of finished products. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our newly formed independent global company with a 100-year legacy, driving growth, and strengthening customer trust.

Responsibilities

• Implement and support all aspects of company policy, including food and worker safety.
• Ensure product quality meets customer and manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate with other functions to enforce compliance with Food Safety Guidelines, FDA, OSHA, and all applicable Federal and State workplace laws.
• Manage daily operations, including planning the use of materials and human resources.
• Oversee plant operations such as receiving, production planning, production processes, storage (on and off-site), maintenance, and logistics.
• Direct and coordinate staff activities related to production, purchasing, distribution, food safety, and customer service.
• Establish administrative controls and metrics to evaluate and maintain performance objectives.
• Identify areas for cost reduction and program improvement.
• Maintain accountability for Operating Expense Management.
• Assist in preparing annual expense and capital budgets for operational and administrative activities.
• Champion team engagement through mentoring, developing, and coaching, including designing or promoting programs to achieve objectives.
• Identify, develop, implement, and maintain Operating Procedures to drive efficient utilization of company assets.
• Oversee all infrastructure (offices, warehouses, rail sidings, land lots) to ensure safety, security, and maintenance.
• Determine staffing requirements, interview, hire, and ensure appropriate training of new employees.
• Oversee all personnel processes and perform other duties customary to the position.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in management within a feed mill or manufacturing setting.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing production practices and best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant industry (can be supplemented with experience).
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve in a complex environment and lead teams.
• Experience managing production costs and aligning them with production volume.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, changing work environment.
• Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional departments to meet performance objectives.
• Ability to implement and oversee company policies related to Food Safety and worker safety.
• Willingness to be a hands-on leader, actively participating in plant operations alongside the team.
• Comfort working closely with employees in day-to-day production and operational activities.

Qualities of a Great Fit

• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and staff development skills.
• High level of integrity and transparency.
• Customer-focused, team-oriented, and proactive with a “can-do” attitude.
• Resourceful, creative, and able to “do more with less.”
• Critical thinker who analyzes complex situations to drive practical action.
• Keen eye for selecting and retaining talent.
• Able to work with simplicity, urgency, and mutual accountability.
• Enthusiasm for creating a positive work environment.

Benefits

Join a dynamic, high-energy team that offers very rich benefits and prioritizes employee well-being. This is a ground-floor opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly growing company in the pet, livestock, and aquaculture nutrient manufacturing industry.