Plant Manager

Join the Our Talent Network•Buffalo, NY

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager provides strategic and hands-on leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality dairy production. This position is accountable for daily operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and workforce development. The Plant Manager drives a culture rooted in the Seven for Success (SFS) framework — championing Safety first, maintaining the highest Quality standards, improving Productivity, strengthening Customer Service relationships, promoting open Communication, developing employees through Training, and fostering Continuous Improvement in every process. This individual serves as a key member of the Operations Leadership Team and collaborates across departments to support growth, modernization, and organizational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Food Science, or related field (preferred).
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in food or dairy manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of GMP, SQF, HACCP, and other regulatory standards.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage change.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAP experience preferred).
Proven track record in performance improvement, budget management, and employee development.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee Daily Production Operations: Direct all plant operations to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets are achieved. Maintain effective communication across shifts to ensure consistent performance. Strong Command of Integrated Business Planning, Master Scheduling, and ERP Systems.
Ensure Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (FDA, USDA, HAACP, OSHA, SQF, etc.). Partner with Quality Assurance to uphold product integrity and food safety systems. Support internal and external audits, customer visits, and certification renewal.
Lead and Develop Plant Personnel: Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline employees to foster a culture of accountability and teamwork. Conduct performance evaluations, identify high-potential talent, and implement development plans.
Monitor Plant Performance Metrics: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as throughput, yield, OEE, quality, and labor efficiency. Analyze data to identify trends, drive problem-solving, and ensure timely corrective action.
Manage Budget and Cost Control: Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital plans. Monitor expenses, control variances, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety.
Drive Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and CI efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Engage teams in identifying process bottlenecks and implementing sustainable improvements.
Coordinate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR to achieve business objectives. Support enterprise initiatives including SAP integration, sustainability projects, and workforce development.
Ensure Maintenance Reliability: Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life. Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to plan and execute upgrades and capital projects.
Champion Employee Safety and Engagement: Promote a proactive safety culture with zero tolerance for unsafe practices. Lead monthly safety meetings, audits, and engagement activities to build ownership at all levels.
Plan for Production Capacity and Growth: Develop and execute long-term operational strategies that align with cooperative growth objectives. Prepare for product innovation, new technologies, and changing customer demands.