Plant General Manager

KIK Consumer Products•Auburndale, FL

About The Position

The Plant General Manager for Household is accountable for the successful operation of a multi-product manufacturing facility producing bleach, laundry, window wash, and/or cleaners, with annual throughput of 3–15 million bottles. Reporting to the Household Director of Operations, the role establishes and maintains a robust operating model and a positive, high-performance culture centered on safety, employee engagement, productivity, reliability, and quality while meeting throughput and conversion-cost-per-unit expectations. The General Manager drives continuous improvement through clear vision and direction, team cohesion, employee empowerment, active facility-wide engagement, and strong accountability. The role leads plant operations across production and warehousing, ensures regulatory compliance, manages production plans and performance metrics, and partners with the Plant Controller on financial performance. It oversees equipment reliability, staffing and shift structures, capital projects, quality and service results, talent development, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

10 or more years of experience in manufacturing.
At least 5 years of direct people leadership experience.
Demonstrated managerial experience in a manufacturing setting.
Ability to manage a complex vertically integrated operation.
Transformational leadership skills and ability to build an engaged culture in a manufacturing environment.
Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage complex situations.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access) and ERP systems such as JDE or SAP.
Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and discuss variances on a daily and monthly basis.
Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative leadership style, and ability to work with front-line employees, plant leaders, business-unit leadership, and senior leadership.
Ability to maintain high standards of ethics and integrity throughout the organization.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred.
Experience in chemical process engineering preferred.
Experience with continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or 5S preferred.

Responsibilities

Model and reinforce the One KIK culture of safety, integrity, quality, collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Make safety the plant’s top priority and foster teamwork, employee engagement, ownership, clear communication, recognition, and accountability.
Create a positive, sustainable work environment that supports engagement, retention, and tenure through leadership, communication, and scheduling practices.
Maintain a visible, hands-on presence on the plant floor and connect with employees through daily interactions, one-on-ones, roundtables, and town halls.
Monitor employee engagement and turnover metrics and address root causes.
Lead a disciplined operating cadence across production and warehousing, aligned with business plans and priorities.
Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, DHS, and other environmental and safety standards.
Own the production plan in partnership with the Household Supply Chain organization.
Establish and manage KPIs for operational, financial, and quality outcomes.
Partner with the Plant Controller to manage the P&L, budget, and key cost drivers.
Deliver budgeted manufacturing volumes and conversion costs per unit.
Maintain equipment reliability through timely repairs and preventive maintenance programs.
Achieve quality and service objectives, including a target of 98% or higher on-time fill rate and zero quality withdrawals or recalls.
Align shift structures and staffing with production needs while promoting engagement and compliance.
Identify and manage capital projects, ensuring timely implementation and realization of return on investment.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce complexity, and improve operational agility.
Attract, hire, assess, and develop plant leadership and production talent; align talent with organizational needs.
Manage headcount planning to meet forecasted production demands and participate in hiring for key plant positions.
Ensure effective onboarding and training programs.
Set measurable performance goals and KPIs, develop high-potential employees, and establish growth and succession plans.
Promote career pathing and skill development across the plant.
Hold leaders accountable for managing performance fairly and decisively, addressing underperformance promptly.
Partner with Senior Leadership, EHS, HR, Quality, Engineering, and Distribution/Transportation teams.
Maintain transparent communication, align stakeholders on shared goals, resolve issues collaboratively, and build credibility across organizational levels and with external partners.