Plant Manager (Project Management)

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We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Plant Manager to direct the day-to-day operations of our spice bottling and distribution facility in Ankeny, IA. The Plant Manager will be responsible for ensuring the efficient production of high-quality food products while maintaining safety, compliance with regulations, and meeting production goals. The 770,000 sq ft Ankeny facility employs 400+people and produces 1,200 finished good SKUs.  The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, a solid understanding of food manufacturing processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement in a fast-paced bottling environment.

Responsibilities:

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and internal safety standards.
• Promote a culture of safety throughout the plant and take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of equipment to ensure safety and operational efficiency.

Quality Control & Food Safety:

• Ensure that all production processes adhere to food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, HACCP, SQF) and industry standards.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with sanitation, hygiene, and safety protocols.

Operations Management:

• Direct all aspects of production, including scheduling, staffing, and equipment maintenance, to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Implement and monitor daily production plans to ensure alignment with inventory levels and demand forecasts.

Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers, supervisors, operators, and other plant staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment to enhance team performance and morale.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities for staff to promote safety, efficiency, and growth within the plant.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance production efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize downtime.
• Lead and support initiatives related to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive operational excellence.

Budgeting and Cost Control:

• Collaborate with the Plant Controller to develop and manage the plant's budget, including labor, materials, equipment, and maintenance costs.
• Monitor expenses and implement cost-saving measures to improve profitability.
• Work with senior management to ensure the plant operates within financial constraints.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare regular reports on plant performance, production progress, and any issues or challenges.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, other departments, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Address and resolve any operational or staffing issues in a timely manner.

Experience, Skills, Education:

• 8+ years of plant management experience in consumer products, preferably food required.
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Strong knowledge of food production processes, safety standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with union leadership or working in a unionized environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Solid understanding of budgeting, cost control, and production planning.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement techniques (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• A passion for food quality and safety.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Communication proficiency.
• Excellent decision-making skills.
• Problem Solving/Analysis abilities.