Assistant Plant Director

Lactalis LUSY•Londonderry, NH

58d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of an accelerated development pathway for high-potential, seasoned operations leaders. Featuring an initial 2–3 year assignment in plant operations, this high-visibility role is specifically designed for you to master our manufacturing systems and fast-track directly into the Lactalis USA Plant Director pipeline. The program provides comprehensive relocation support and tailored executive onboarding to set participants up for seamless succession into future Director vacancies across our US network. JOB SUMMARY The Assistant Plant Director will be responsible for the overall execution of the plant's production areas. These areas include the warehouse, continuous improvement, production scheduling, processing, and filling/packing. This position will be accountable for meeting annual operating goals for safety, cost, quality, material yields, capital projects, and organizational development to ensure the plant's business objectives are met. A hands-on leader, the Assistant Plant Director will provide strong guidance and direction to optimize and improve processes in support of plant initiatives. This role reports to the Plant Director.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required.
10+ years dairy or food processing experience, including production management, planning management on continuous improvement is required.
10+ years of leadership experience is preferred.
Knowledge of OSHA, Food Safety, FDA, USDA, and ISO, along with certifications such as FSSC and ISO 9001 within the food industry is required
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Strong business acumen, including financial planning and management
Analytical, problem decision-making skills; being able to think outside the box; exercise sound judgment and critical thinking
People-oriented, fostering strong relationships and developing talent, while also being data-driven to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
Strong proficiency with computer systems, including Microsoft Office applications
Ability to manage the team's resources, achieve production targets, and meet needs.
Acting and leading as a role model, positively influencing others with energy and enhancing their ability to contribute to a goal.
Ability to analyze production results: costs, volumes, time, and breakdowns. Ability to identify and solve problems to rationalize production.
Ability to transmit and receive information clearly and communicate effectively with others by considering their points of view to respond appropriately. It includes using tact and diplomacy in all communications as well as the ability to convey ideas and information (adjusting style, tone, and level of details), both orally and in writing, in a way that all stakeholders/audience are engaged.
Ability to select the best logical choice from the available options, weighing the positives and negatives of each option, considering all the alternatives and external influences.
Ability to meet all production requirements concerning ordering of material, raw ingredients, and packaging, considering minimum stock levels, lead times, and budget. Ability to report on material levels and usage by capturing and monitoring information. Ability to analyze and report on materials and ingredients used on daily cycle counts to control the manufacturing process and minimize waste.
Complete knowledge and understanding of industrial technologies and processes, to cover main characteristics, advantages, constraints, opportunities, and risks. Ability to determine industrial technologies and processes, ensure they are followed, and develop them.
Ability to implement Good Manufacturing Practices by clearly defining written Work Instructions, Best Practices, and Standard Operating Procedures, that are in compliance with Health regulations and ensure effective Manufacturing techniques, Product Safety, and Product Quality.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.
Majors in Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration or related field are preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct all plant operations to meet production schedules, manage costs, and drive continuous improvement.
Lead capital and technology projects to improve reliability and consumer satisfaction.
Provide strong leadership to the management team, including hiring, performance reviews, and coaching.
Cultivate a positive and collaborative team environment with a focus on high employee engagement.
Manage operations of the plant to ensure that quantitative and qualitative measures included in the operating plan are met, including production scheduling, standard costs, cost reductions, cost variance, productivity, continuous improvement, sanitation, consumer satisfaction, reliability, and capital/technology improvements.
Continuously monitor performance and communicate progress to keep teams focused on production targets.
Implement solutions to drive continuous improvement in plant operations and line performance.
Lead the organization in achieving quality and safety goals, ensuring strict adherence to all company guidelines and regulatory standards.
Provide regular financial Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and productivity reviews (Lactalis methods).
Ensure action plans based on KPI’s results and ensure plant communications, providing all employees with key focus areas.
Oversee the Company’s strict compliance with PMO and FDA regulations, OSHA rules and Company guidelines within the operations of manufacturing.
Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Warehouse, Continuous Improvement, Scheduling and Materials, Processing, and Filling/Packing Departments in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.