Now Hiring: Plant Manager
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Compensation: $130,000–$150,000, based on experience
We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Plant Manager to lead a growing, state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio.
This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader to take ownership of overall plant operations, drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and help shape the continued growth of a modern production facility.
The facility features advanced, high-speed production capabilities and is continuing to expand its manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations and functional departments
- Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives
- Drive safety, food quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
- Lead Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, and waste reduction initiatives
- Establish and manage operational KPIs, including Right First Time performance
- Oversee production planning, capacity, labor, resources, and operational priorities
- Develop annual operating plans, budgets, capital projects, and long-term strategic initiatives
- Lead succession planning, workforce development, and organizational growth
- Coach and develop managers and supervisors to build a high-performing team
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP, and applicable regulatory standards
- Support sustainability and zero-waste initiatives
- Partner with union representatives and participate in contract negotiations and grievance resolution
- Collaborate across departments to improve reliability, productivity, quality, and cost performance
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, Science, or a related field preferred
- 5–10 years of plant management experience with progressively increasing leadership responsibility
- Experience in high-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments
- Food or baking manufacturing experience preferred
- Proven P&L responsibility and knowledge of budgets and financial statements
- Demonstrated success with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
- Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SQF, sanitation, food safety, and plant maintenance
- Strong understanding of OSHA and regulatory compliance
- Proven ability to develop managers, supervisors, and production teams
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both shop-floor employees and executive leadership
- Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Compensation & Benefits
- $130,000–$150,000 base salary, based on experience
- Medical insurance
- Company-paid dental and vision
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation
- Employee appreciation programs
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