Northwood Plant Manager

Hirzel Canning Company•Northwood, OH

12d

About The Position

Hirzel Canning Company & Farms is a fifth-generation family company producing locally grown tomato and sauerkraut products under its Dei Fratelli brand. The Plant Manager oversees daily operations at the Northwood plant, including production, warehousing, shipping and receiving, inventory, food safety, and personnel. The role leads plant staff, coordinates production planning and resources, maintains regulatory and company compliance, and works with other plant managers and corporate teams to support efficient operations. Attendance every workday is described as essential. Candidates must be willing and able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in plant management or senior production leadership.
Expert knowledge of food science and relevant regulatory standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to lead a diverse workforce.
Willingness and ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including regular lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds and frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific or business discipline.

Responsibilities

Direct daily plant operations to ensure safe, efficient workflows across production, warehousing, and shipping and receiving.
Coordinate resources, monitor production output, resolve issues, and ensure production targets are met.
Maintain compliance with quality standards, food safety guidelines, company policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.
Serve on the Corporate and Plant level Food Safety Committee.
Set productivity expectations and guide employees in meeting them.
Oversee inventory operations and ensure production supplies and materials are available.
Coordinate with the Supply Chain Manager on weekly production and label work orders and modify plans as needed to meet demand.
Oversee sterilization, supervision, and Clean-In-Place procedures for the Aseptic Line as required.
Participate in cross-facility meetings and coordinate with other plant managers to make effective use of resources.
Assist production supervision when multiple operations are running.
Oversee kraut operations, including tank capacity management and planning for fresh pack and canning activities.
Coordinate with the Maintenance Team on equipment, facility, and process improvements.
Lead Northwood Plant staff by setting performance expectations, monitoring progress, and resolving employee concerns.
Coordinate planned time off and arrange coverage as needed.
Review wages for market competitiveness and alignment with job responsibilities and employee performance.
Maintain adequate staffing and request external job postings from Human Resources when needed.
Arrange and support monthly training on personal safety and food safety compliance.
Support supervisors through backup coverage, coaching, and on-the-job training.
Cover production-line breaks when necessary.
Model company values, promote positive working relationships and attitudes, support organizational change, and encourage accurate, timely, and efficient work.
Ensure the functions of the position are performed as required in the absence of key personnel.