We are working with a food manufacturer in the Middletown, NY area seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily operations of their manufacturing facility. As the Plant Manager, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of plant operations, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality food products while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Responsibilities:
- Operations Management: Direct and coordinate all plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, sanitation, and warehouse activities. Develop and implement strategies to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize output.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure that all products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs, including HACCP, GMPs, and other relevant food safety protocols. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including FDA, USDA, and local health regulations.
- Safety and Environmental Compliance: Promote a culture of safety and environmental stewardship throughout the plant. Implement and enforce safety policies and procedures to minimize accidents and ensure regulatory compliance. Monitor and address any environmental impacts associated with plant operations.
- Personnel Management: Lead and develop a high-performing team of production staff, supervisors, and support personnel. Provide coaching, training, and performance feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
- Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage the plant budget, including labor, materials, and overhead costs. Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements to optimize plant performance and profitability.
- Supply Chain Management: Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely availability of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods. Manage inventory levels to minimize stockouts and excess inventory carrying costs.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction. Utilize Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other improvement tools to identify and implement process enhancements.
- Customer Relations: Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to understand customer requirements and ensure that products meet or exceed customer expectations. Address any customer concerns or quality issues in a timely and effective manner.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor s degree in engineering, food science, business management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3-5 years in a plant management or leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop cross-functional teams.
- Proven track record of driving operational excellence, cost reduction, and process improvement initiatives.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing business needs.