Sr. Manager Plant Performance and Operations, Seasoning

Fuchs North America•Hampstead, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Plant Performance & Operations, Seasoning is responsible for the overall performance of the Seasoning manufacturing business, including safety, quality, service, cost, and people development. This role provides leadership across production, warehouse, planning, and inventory functions to ensure effective execution and alignment with business objectives. The position drives operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong leadership of people and processes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing (food industry preferred)
Strong experience with plant operations, process improvement, and KPI management
Working knowledge of regulatory requirements (OSHA, food safety standards such as SQF preferred)
Able to physically handle up to and including 50 lbs.
Strong leadership and team development capabilities
Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
Ability to balance short-term execution with long-term strategy
Effective cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills
Strong decision-making under pressure and ambiguity
High level of accountability and ownership
Ability to make and effectively communicate timely, difficult decisions in the best interest of the team and business
Assesses and manages risk effectively, seeking input when needed and confidently navigating uncertainty

Nice To Haves

Adaptable to a lighthearted, creative, solution-based environment.
Organized, self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and people focused.
Confident and self-less leader with high expectations, driven by results, and motivated by the success of the team.
Able to provide professional leadership, motivation, and direction.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of Seasoning operations, including production, warehouse, planning, and inventory
Ensure alignment of daily execution with business priorities, customer needs, and production schedules
Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
Champion a strong safety culture, driving proactive improvements and accountability at all levels
Lead efforts to strengthen food safety and quality systems, partnering closely with Quality
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, audit, and internal standards
Oversee readiness and execution of customer and regulatory audits, including follow-up actions
Own plant-level performance metrics including safety, quality, service, cost, and productivity
Use data and metrics to identify gaps, prioritize initiatives, and drive measurable improvement
Lead structured root cause problem-solving for quality issues, operational disruptions, and customer complaints
Drive labor efficiency and process improvements through standardized tools and continuous improvement methods
Ensure effective scheduling and execution
Influence and collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Sr. Manager Plant Performance and Operations, Spice to optimize overall plant performance
Maintain strong communication across functions to proactively address risks, constraints, and opportunities
Own and manage labor and departmental costs, including staffing, overtime, and temporary labor
Optimize resource utilization to balance cost, service, and operational efficiency
Implement improvements in processes, equipment use, and working conditions to maximize productivity
Ensure accurate and consistent use of ERP and production systems (e.g., RedZone)
Maintain and improve documentation systems, including SOPs, performance tracking, and employee development plans
Audit production and operational records to ensure accuracy and compliance
Develop and coach leaders and teams to build a high-performing, engaged organization
Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for results and behaviors
Build a culture focused on ownership, growth, and continuous learning
Strong Cross Functional Communication and Influence to maintain and improve plant operations with the Sr. Manager Plant Performance and Operations for Spice, Quality, and Engineering and Maintenance