Plant Manager

About the role

Shank’s Extracts, LLC d/b/a Universal Ingredients – Shank’s is a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts, other extracts, natural and artificial flavors, food colors, syrups, and sauces. Shank’s quality products are widely distributed to industrial, private‑label, and grocery customers worldwide. The company has an immediate opening for a 2nd Shift Machine Operator, available immediately upon hire.

Disclaimer

Shank’s Extracts manufactures various products that identify as major food allergens (milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans) as well as several other food ingredients. Exposure to skin and/or odor contact with these ingredients may occur. The company’s health and safety are a priority and accommodations will be made within reason.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant aseptic manufacturing.
• Provide technical leadership for UHT/HTST processing, aseptic filling, CIP/SIP, contamination control, and hygienic design.
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards (FDA, FSMA, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP).
• Serve as site leader for regulatory inspections, third‑party audits, and customer audits.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, yield, OEE, and cost performance.
• Lead and develop cross‑functional teams across production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and EHS.
• Oversee process validation, aseptic qualifications, shelf‑life studies, and new product introductions.
• Manage allergen control programs in a multi‑product aseptic environment.
• Own plant P&L, budgets, operating costs, and capital investments.
• Lead capital projects including aseptic line expansions, equipment upgrades, and technology implementation.
• Champion EHS programs and foster a strong safety and food safety culture.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams to support growth in coffee, tea, juice, plant‑based, acidified dairy, and nutritional products.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and long‑term operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations or supply chain; chemical engineering highly preferred.
• 12–15 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing.
• 5–7 years of senior plant or operations leadership experience.
• Prior experience in the high‑speed manufacturing industry preferred.
• In‑depth knowledge of production management, operations, risk management, and food safety regulations strongly preferred.
• Hands‑on experience with coffees/teas, juice & other plant‑based, acidified dairy and nutritional products.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UHT, aseptic filling, and hygienic design.
• Experience with allergen control and nutritional formulations.
• Lean / Six Sigma / TPM certification preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and business acumen.
• Proven experience as an operations change agent within a manufacturing facility.

Personal Traits

• Enthusiastic leader with passion for the product and continuous improvement.
• Executive leadership skills, decisive execution, effective listening, and willingness to compromise.
• Coaching and people skills that embrace diversity and drive team potential.
• Genuine respect for the lives and accomplishments of employees.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• ID Theft protection
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Shank’s Extracts is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Disabled/Vet). All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.