Plant Manager

Dairy Farmers of America • Spartanburg, SC

5d

About The Position

The Plant Manager directs and coordinates overall plant operations and priorities, ensuring products are produced efficiently and within cost parameters. Through managers, supervisors, and staff, the role provides work direction in accordance with standard work rules, applicable union contract provisions, and employment policies, and is accountable for plant key performance indicators. The position supports continuous improvement to improve productivity, quality, operational efficiency, and facility culture, and manages the overall operating budget, including capital and expense projects. It also directs personnel activities such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments within established human resources policies and practices. This single-incumbent role is responsible for multiple plants or a large and/or complex plant, which may have assistant plant managers.

The Plant Manager oversees administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental functions. The role maintains product, customer, regulatory, food safety, and sanitation standards; monitors plant financial and operational performance; and develops staff through direction, mentoring, training, and career development planning.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 2 years of management experience.
• Proven track record of improved results in quality, safety, service, and cost.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance to the process.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory laws and responsibilities relating to facility standards.
• Proficient understanding of budgeting and cost control.
• Leadership and coaching skills, with knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management practices.
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
• Critical thinking, analytical, mathematical calculation, and statistical evaluation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively, foster teamwork, and work positively with others.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information.
• Strong initiative and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to suggest options and ideas for current processes or procedures.
• Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations tactfully and professionally.
• Ability to communicate with personnel at various levels to ensure customer needs and requirements are met.
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies and adapt to and manage change effectively.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree in a related curriculum.
• Manufacturing experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant operations across administration, production, processing, packaging, quality, maintenance, warehousing, shipping, purchasing, safety, and environmental areas.
• Establish production priorities to produce products efficiently and within cost parameters while maintaining safety, quality, and sanitation standards and optimizing workforce, machine, and equipment utilization.
• Review and analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports; identify causes of nonconformity and promptly report non-compliance according to established protocols.
• Analyze plant operations and pursue processes and technologies that support the facility’s industry position.
• Interact with customers regarding operational, customer service, financial, and quality goals.
• Develop, monitor, and drive plant KPIs related to safety, quality, productivity, and finances, and promote continuous improvement.
• Use understanding of the plant P&L to drive performance; participate in annual operating, capital, and expense budget development; and provide accurate information to Finance for month-end close schedules.
• Manage or oversee corporate, customer, and government audits to ensure compliance.
• Conduct meetings with management and staff to communicate operational issues and ensure they are addressed.
• Communicate company goals and plant direction, focus, and objectives aligned with plant and company goals.
• Direct, mentor, train, and develop managers; select, train, and assign personnel; and support career development and succession planning.
• Maintain safe working conditions and ensure compliance with company, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
• Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and comply with company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits begin on the first day of the month after the start date.
• 401(k) with company contribution, 100% vested on the first day of eligibility.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Career growth opportunities and promotion from within.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Service recognition and employee rewards.
• Employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED