Plant Manager - Food Manufacturing

WM B REILY & COMPANY INC • Knoxville, TN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager is directly responsible for leading and driving all operational activities at the facility to ensure consistent levels of production excellence are achieved and sustained while developing a fully engaged and talented workforce. In this role, the Plant Manager will provide clear direction and leadership to the plant staff through goal setting, performance and metric reviews, action planning and Continuous Improvement execution. Collaborating with all cross-functional groups within the organization, this role must maintain a clear focus on the tactical and strategic plans of the facility and ensure that they are aligned with Corporate goals and objectives. Champions and drives continuous improvements in key areas, such as: Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost and Customer Service. Fosters a Safety First, Quality Always culture focused on operational excellence while developing direct reports. Develops a highly effective leadership team by applying high standards for selection, communicating and delegating key responsibilities, establishing clear vision and stretch goals, and actively utilizing all performance, development and career tools to their full potential. Improves upon the capabilities of all plant personnel and develops a highly motivated workforce. Leads facility to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and uses performance data to drive improvement and provide optimal production performance. Maintains KPI scorecard within the key plant areas. Conducts KPI review meetings with the plant leadership team. Implements cost-effective control systems over capital assets, operating expenditures, and labor costs. Continuously improves site processes and technologies. Develops and executes upon a site capital plan, addressing both short-term and long-term opportunities. Controls and minimizes overtime labor costs, maintenance/repair costs, downtime and product re-work. Identifies and eliminates potential sources of food safety risk. Responsible for delivering site environmental, health, & safety performance. Works to exceed expectations for all internal & external audits, i.e. BRC. Acts as liaison between plant personnel and corporate functions building solid relationships between these teams. Effectively communicates urgent issues both internal and external to VP of Operations and the site leadership team, as needed. Identifies issues quickly, develops action plans and coordinates team member activities, so that these issues are communicated upward, and dealt with quickly & effectively. Identifies root causes of issues and adept at developing and implementing corrective actions to prevent repeat problems. Follows all safety procedures and participates in safety training. Maintains safe and efficient use of equipment, tools, and person. Reports any injury or accident or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisory member. Supports and complies with GMP’s. Understands and follows emergency action plan. Supports food safety, quality and legality. Ensures the operation is providing food-safe, quality products which meet or exceed all product specifications and regulatory requirements. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations or related STEM field preferred
• 10+ years of production experience, preferably within a food and/or beverage manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of Operational leadership with a demonstrated ability to successfully build and mentor high performance teams
• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, TPM or other relevant certifications
• Operational Excellence mindset with success meeting production KPIs
• Solid understanding and enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions
• Knowledge of GFSI audit schemes, such as BRC and SQF
• Highly organized with ability to multi-task, recognize priority and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Positive attitude and a team player that promotes collaboration
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficient in MS Office Programs
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, if needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive all operational activities at the facility.
• Ensure consistent levels of production excellence are achieved and sustained.
• Develop a fully engaged and talented workforce.
• Provide clear direction and leadership to plant staff through goal setting, performance and metric reviews, action planning and Continuous Improvement execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional groups to align facility plans with corporate goals.
• Champion and drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer service.
• Foster a Safety First, Quality Always culture.
• Develop a highly effective leadership team.
• Improve capabilities of all plant personnel and develop a highly motivated workforce.
• Lead facility to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and use performance data to drive improvement.
• Maintain KPI scorecard and conduct KPI review meetings.
• Implement cost-effective control systems over capital assets, operating expenditures, and labor costs.
• Continuously improve site processes and technologies.
• Develop and execute a site capital plan.
• Control and minimize overtime labor costs, maintenance/repair costs, downtime, and product re-work.
• Identify and eliminate potential sources of food safety risk.
• Deliver site environmental, health, & safety performance.
• Exceed expectations for all internal & external audits (e.g., BRC).
• Act as liaison between plant personnel and corporate functions.
• Effectively communicate urgent issues to VP of Operations and site leadership team.
• Identify issues quickly, develop action plans, and coordinate team member activities.
• Identify root causes of issues and implement corrective actions.
• Follow all safety procedures and participate in safety training.
• Maintain safe and efficient use of equipment, tools, and person.
• Report any injury, accident, or unsafe conditions immediately.
• Support and comply with GMP’s.
• Understand and follow emergency action plan.
• Support food safety, quality, and legality.
• Ensure the operation provides food-safe, quality products that meet or exceed all product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Generous Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Comprehensive, Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for you and your family
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and discretionary profit sharing
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and financial wellness resources
• Company‑Paid Disability
• Company‑Paid Life Insurance equal to 3× annual compensation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior