Plant Manager - Dover, DE

Kraft Heinz Company; Dover; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to lead our Dover, DE manufacturing site, the largest in the area and producing powdered beverages and desserts for iconic brands like Jell-O, Crystal Light and Kool-Aid. As a key member of our leadership team, you will oversee the operations of our 650-employee site, which features five production departments and 30 manufacturing lines. If you're a seasoned manufacturing leader with a passion for driving efficiency, quality, and employee engagement, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Build a high performing team to enable factory and business success.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to ensure the site operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulatory requirements, including food safety, environmental protection, occupational health & safety, labor relations, and other applicable laws/regulations.
• Oversee production planning, inventory management, employee training & development, maintenance scheduling, and other operational aspects to achieve business objectives.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers, customers, vendors, contractors, government agencies, local authorities, trade unions, community leaders, and media representatives to drive business growth and community engagement.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives, such as lean manufacturing techniques or Six Sigma methodologies, to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new technologies, automation systems, equipment upgrades, process improvements, and other initiatives to drive innovation and reduce waste.
• Analyze performance metrics, such as production volume, yield rate, defect rates, downtime hours per shift, and other key performance indicators (KPIs), to identify areas for improvement and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Lead team meetings, conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback on individual performance, address grievances, and discipline employees when necessary to ensure a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including employees, management, and external partners, to convey information clearly and transparently.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing leadership role, preferably in the food & beverage processing or consumer packaged goods.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence, improving efficiency, and reducing costs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Factory “turn around” experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in delivering results through Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM), lean manufacturing or equivalent standardized management system.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including listening, speaking, writing, and presenting, with the ability to engage and motivate employees at all levels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience in leading high-performing teams and driving employee engagement and people development.
• Proven record of stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of HACCP principles, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), OSHA and other relevant food safety and environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with a strong focus on building trusting relationships with employees, stakeholders, and the community.

Location(s): Dover Plant