Plant Manager

About the Job

We are seeking a highly experienced, hands-on leader with a demonstrated background in driving lean manufacturing principles for our production facility near Columbia, Missouri.  This position reports directly to the VP of Operations and is responsible for managing the site level staff of department heads that include Production, Maintenance, Warehouse & Inventory Control, Quality, Planning, Environmental Compliance, and Sanitation. This position requires a result oriented, innovative plant leader with a track record of implementing and managing processes that improve quality and efficiency.  The position has the responsibility of dealing with the day-to-day staffing need of the operation, planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all facility activities in order to meet or exceed company goals in food safety, quality, customer service, process control, and cost of goods.  The ideal candidate will also have a demonstrated competency in managing large capital projects that include equipment installation, line lay-out and design, and operational start-up.  The candidate needs to be someone that others within the organization respect and will look up to for direction and guidance.  

Responsibilities

  • Direct all activities for production lines in accordance with plan and line goals, product standards, costs, budgets, and established procedures

  • Coordinate with the Food Safety and Quality Assurance leadership to ensure compliance with food safety and product quality standards

  • Overall responsibility for food processing and packaging  

  • Foster a team environment with a continuous improvement culture

  • Mentor and develop all direct reports to create the future leaders for the company

  • Works with the VP of Operations and other senior leadership on strategic planning

  • Accountable for financial performance (P&L) of the plant against planned budget

  • Manage and oversee all aspects of plant operations

  • Monitor key drivers established for each functional area 

  • Work with senior leadership on staffing issues and needs

  • Direct the activities of subordinates to assure personnel safety, food safety, quality, production, and cost standards are met

  • Develop manufacturing standards and budgets by evaluating historical data and proposed activities in order to provide management with an accurate assessment and projection of manufacturing costs

  • Review cost data, production schedules and capital spending plans to assure compliance with production goals

  • Knowledgeable of costs of goods, including costs associated with raw materials, labor, and overhead

  • Consult with Customer Service and Logistics for the proper planning of production volumes, shipping and receiving on a daily basis 

  • Actively participate in production volume forecast and new product rollout

  • Demonstrate problem solving skills and root cause analysis to resolve and/or mitigate operational and safety issues

  • Ability to prioritize tasks and be good with time management, and interact with procurement, customer service, logistics, and other plant managers

  • Ensure the plant is clean and audit ready at all times 

  • Coordinate and implement company policies and procedures in all areas

  • Provide oversight of injury prevention program and food safety program to ensure compliance with regulations

  • Ensure compliance with applicable local, state and federal governmental agencies (OSHA, FDA, EPA, etc.)

  • Continuously review plant operations and introduce changes and/or production practices such as Continuous Improvement to increase efficiencies and Lean Manufacturing to improve productivity levels.

Qualifications

  • 4-year college degree in Food Science, Engineering, or Business Administration/management, or a combination of education and relevant work experience 

  • Strong working knowledge of food safety guidelines such as including HACCP, GMP, and SQF

  • Working knowledge of operational finance and accounting

  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Systems and 5S 

Personal Skills and Attributes

  • Creative and innovative thinker. Has the courage to challenge conventional thinking, perseveres in difficult and changing situations. 

  • Decision making and judgement. Acts decisively to solve problems and create a path to solutions, empowering others to act. 

  • Helps others navigate change and uncertainty toward a desired future vision. 

  • Passionate and customer focus.   Knows the business and is motivated by our mission – our strategy, brands, and financial drivers.

  • Demonstrates an enterprise mindset and ensures their team supports the needs of the broader business.