Senior Manager, Plant Operations

WK Kellogg•Battle Creek, MI

9d•$164,160 - $205,200•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Plant Operations leads the strategic and operational direction of multiple business units in a high-performing, large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing operation and line-centric manufacturing platform. The role drives results in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development by empowering Operations Managers and Supervisors and fostering continuous improvement and accountability. The role sets priorities for assigned business units in alignment with plant goals and corporate strategy; develops managers and supervisors; oversees production plans and plant KPIs; leads innovation and project execution; and owns business planning, budgeting, cost containment, and resource allocation. It champions lean manufacturing and WK Kellogg Integrated Work Systems (KIWS), promotes safety, accountability, engagement, learning, and recognition, and ensures regulatory and internal compliance for safety, food safety, sanitation, and labor relations. The Senior Manager partners with support functions and external stakeholders to optimize performance and resolve challenges. This position reports to the Plant Director and supervises Operations Managers and Supervisors. It is based in a 24/7 union manufacturing facility, requires regular production-floor presence, flexibility to work any shift, and travel up to 25%. Frequent interaction with internal teams and external partners is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
Proven success leading large teams and managing multiple production lines.
Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement systems.
Demonstrated ability to lead through others and build effective teams.
Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP.
Experience with budget creation and performance management.
Ability to work any shift and travel up to 25%.
Regular presence on the production floor and frequent interaction with internal teams and external partners.
Ability to work a full shift, arrive on time, work overtime as needed, and follow the schedule required to meet job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in union environments.
Experience working within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Set direction and priorities for assigned business units in alignment with plant goals and corporate strategy.
Lead, coach, and develop Operations Managers and Supervisors to build high-performing teams and future leaders.
Ensure consistent execution of production plans and results across safety, quality, food safety, cost, and service KPIs.
Lead planning, cross-functional alignment, and implementation of innovation and projects entering the plant.
Own business planning and budgeting for assigned units, including cost containment and resource allocation.
Champion and sustain lean manufacturing principles and WK Kellogg Integrated Work Systems (KIWS) across units.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and recognition.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards related to safety, food safety, sanitation, and labor relations.
Partner with support functions and external stakeholders to optimize performance and resolve complex challenges.