Senior Manager, Plant Operations
About The Position
The Senior Manager, Plant Operations leads the strategic and operational direction of multiple business units within a high-performing, large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing operation and line-centric manufacturing platform. The role drives performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development by empowering Operations Managers and Supervisors and fostering continuous improvement and accountability. The position sets direction for assigned business units, develops leaders and teams, oversees production and plant KPIs, and leads the planning and implementation of innovation and projects. It owns business planning and budgeting for assigned units and champions lean manufacturing and WK Kellogg Integrated Work Systems (KIWS). The role also promotes an engaged, accountable safety culture, ensures regulatory and internal compliance, and collaborates with support functions and external stakeholders. This role is based in a 24/7 union manufacturing facility. Regular production-floor presence is required, along with flexibility to work any shift and travel up to 25%. It involves frequent interaction with internal teams and external partners. The position reports to the Plant Director and supervises Operations Managers and Supervisors.
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.
- Flexibility to work any shift in a 24/7 manufacturing facility.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
- Ability to work a full shift, arrive on time, work overtime as needed, and work according to the necessary schedule 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, aligning them 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 all units.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and recognition.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards for safety, food safety, sanitation, and labor relations.
- Partner with support functions and external stakeholders to optimize performance and resolve complex challenges.
Benefits
- Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Savings and Investment Plan with company match and contribution
- Paid Time Off, including paid sick time
- 11 paid holidays
- Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and STD/LTD
- Tuition reimbursement
- Adoption assistance for eligible employees
- Employee recognition program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
