Assistant Plant Manager

Fermented Food Holdings (FFH); Town of Bear Creek (WI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Fermented Food Holdings (FFH) is seeking an Assistant Plant Manager in Bear Creek, WI to lead production, warehousing, and sanitation, driving safety, quality and cost targets. You will coach supervisors, optimize resources, and develop future leaders while aligning with demand and schedules.

The role requires strong operations knowledge, KPI tracking, budgeting experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement across the plant.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with prior leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of operations, KPIs, budgeting, and continuous improvement methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant production, warehousing/receiving and sanitation to ensure safety, quality and KPI achievement.
• Direct response to disruptions and downtime to maximize OEE and meet targets.
• Review financial metrics and allocate resources to meet department budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Production management

Budgeting & cost control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Operations/Engineering

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Assignee Bear Creek, WI, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1068

Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $175,000.00 Annually

Position Description

Position Title:

Supervision Responsibilities:

Reports To:

Director of Manufacturing Operations

Job Status:

Exempt

Minimum of 40

Overtime:

Depending on the Season and Business needs

Basic Function

The Assistant Plant Manageris responsible for leading and overseeing all plant production, warehousing/receiving and sanitation ensuring all human safety, food safety/quality, financial and customer service goals are met. This role provides both strategic and hands‑on leadership across these departments. You will be responsible for creating a culture of ownership and accountability, driving continuous improvement, creating operational excellence, optimizing resources, and developing teams and future leaders within the departments you coach.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities Including but Not Limited to Demonstrated Proficiency in the Following:

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee all plant production, warehousing/receiving and sanitation to ensure safety of employees, safety and quality of our products, efficient manufacturing, consistent product flow, KPI management, and people development within the departments you coach.
• Direct response to department disruptions, equipment failures, and unplanned downtime, ensuring rapid resolution to support department goals and maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Analyze production data, equipment performance, and financial metrics to guide decision-making; review operational reports and ensure resources are allocated to meet department targets and budget expectations.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with all safety policies and regulations; ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and material handling practices while addressing unsafe conditions and operational risks promptly.
• Manage department budgets, labor planning, and workforce performance; develop supervisors and frontline leadership, support succession planning, and drive accountability across production, warehouse/receiving and sanitation .
• Partner with sourcing, supply chain, logistics, and scheduling to align production output with demand planning, inventory management, and customer delivery requirements.
• Lead efforts within departments to ensure safe, quality product is consistently provided to our customers.
• Drive a culture of ownership and accountability within the departments you coach.
• Develop employees and future leaders creating future readiness pipelines for the departments you coach and the organization.
• Lead projects within the departments you coach to drive improved human safety, quality products, operational excellence, and customer service.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve recurring issues and improve plant performance.

III. Methods of Accountability

• Provide regular oral and written reports to senior leadership regarding production performance, downtime metrics, financial results, labor utilization, and improvement initiatives.
• Ensure accurate documentation, budget adherence, effective cost control, and overall accountability for department performance.

IV. Standards of Performance

• Accuracy and completeness of production, financial, and operational reporting, including tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Quality, consistency, and minimal disruption to operations.
• Efficiency in managing department operations, including labor productivity, and timely resolution of operational issues.
• Demonstrated leadership in safety, quality, employee development, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive productivity and profitability.

V. Mental and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑demand production environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and personnel under time constraints.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed and flexibility to spend time on shifts.
• Strong attention to detail and clear communication skills.
• Ability to uphold and enforce operational standards, policies, and procedures consistently.

VI. Education, Training and Experience

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience, prior leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of operations, KPI’s, budgeting, and continuous improvement methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

VII. Working Environment and Conditions

• Hearing protection and hairnet/beard net required in designated production areas.
• Eye protection required for task specific functions.
• Clothing is suitable to prevent entanglement in equipment.
• A sometime hot/humid environment, greater than 80 ° .

VIII. Equipment and Tools

• Oversight of department tools and equipment; task-specific tools provided by FFH, LLC.

IX. Special Notes of Interest

• All listed proficiencies must be demonstrated and effectively managed within the team.