Plant Manager
The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of site operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and employee engagement. This role serves as a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team and drives results through strategic leadership, operational discipline, and effective people management.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, service, and cost objectives are achieved.
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Develop and implement strategies to deliver year-over-year improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational excellence.
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Foster a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
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Manage budgets, cost controls, and capital expenditures for the site.
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Lead, mentor, and develop plant leadership and frontline staff to maximize individual and team performance.
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Partner with corporate functions (supply chain, engineering, HR, finance, and quality) to align site performance with overall business objectives.
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Monitor production metrics and use Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies to identify and execute improvement initiatives.
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Ensure compliance with policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
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Actively promote employee engagement, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
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8+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations; experience in food or ingredient production highly desirable.
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Proven track record of leading teams to achieve measurable operational improvements.
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Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and/or other continuous improvement methodologies.
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Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, drive cost savings, and deliver results.
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Excellent communication, leadership, and change management skills.
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a mix of strategic and hands-on responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, service, and cost objectives are achieved.
- Develop and implement strategies to deliver year-over-year improvements in productivity, efficiency, and operational excellence.
- Foster a culture of safety by ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Manage budgets, cost controls, and capital expenditures for the site.
- Lead, mentor, and develop plant leadership and frontline staff to maximize individual and team performance.
- Partner with corporate functions (supply chain, engineering, HR, finance, and quality) to align site performance with overall business objectives.
- Monitor production metrics and use Lean/Continuous Improvement methodologies to identify and execute improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with policies, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Actively promote employee engagement, teamwork, and a positive work environment.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations; experience in food or ingredient production highly desirable.
- Proven track record of leading teams to achieve measurable operational improvements.
- Strong understanding of Lean, Six Sigma, and/or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, drive cost savings, and deliver results.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and change management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a mix of strategic and hands-on responsibilities.
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ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
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Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
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Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
