Plant Manager

Plant Manager - Food Manufacturing Operations

About the Role

A growing food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of production, warehousing, and distribution operations within a high-volume frozen food manufacturing facility. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, workforce development, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Plant Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with procurement, operations, quality assurance, maintenance, logistics, and administrative teams to ensure the successful production and shipment of finished goods. This individual will also lead efforts related to food safety, inventory management, equipment reliability, and employee engagement while driving performance against operational goals and KPIs.

Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on business and operational needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficient production of high-quality food products;
• Partner with production, warehouse, shipping/receiving, maintenance, and administrative teams to support operational goals;
• Oversee the safe and sanitary handling, storage, and shipment of raw materials and finished products;
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support customer demand and operational continuity;
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a high-performing workforce while fostering a positive team culture;
• Manage operating costs and productivity targets while maintaining product quality and food safety standards;
• Monitor forecasts, orders, inventory, and production schedules to support operational planning;
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality programs including HACCP, HARPC, SQF, and applicable regulatory standards;
• Maintain compliance with OSHA, EPA, FDA, USDA, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements;
• Drive Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, 5S, and operational excellence initiatives;
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture through effective environmental health and safety programs;
• Oversee plant administration functions including budgeting, reporting, payroll coordination, and workforce planning;
• Prepare and review operational reports, metrics, and performance summaries;
• Foster positive employee relations and maintain a collaborative work environment;
• Support operational needs through schedule flexibility, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Ability to work in manufacturing environments with exposure to varying temperatures, noise, fumes, and cleaning agents;
• Use of required PPE including safety glasses and other protective equipment;
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling;
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. with assistance;
• Strong verbal communication and comprehension skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered;
• 7+ years of manufacturing experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role;
• Prior experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods preferred;
• Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills;
• Experience managing budgets, production planning, staffing, and operational performance;
• Working knowledge of labor laws, employment practices, and workplace compliance standards;
• Understanding of food safety, sanitation, and quality systems;
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, Kaizen, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies;
• Experience with OSHA compliance, safety programs, quality control, and operational reporting;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing-related systems;
• Strong problem-solving abilities and mechanical troubleshooting experience;
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.