Decatur Plant Manager

Limitless Decatur; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 148,382 - 247,304; Full time

Job summary

Primient seeks a Decatur, IL Plant Manager to lead the Corn Wet Milling facility, ensuring safe, reliable operations and product quality.

You will oversee plant performance, drive cost optimization, manage capital projects, and collaborate with HR, Finance, and the broader Primient network to meet safety, environmental, and customer goals.

The role requires a BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, 10+ years of process/plant experience and 5+ years in leadership, including unionized operations.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering (or related field).
• 10+ years of progressive chemical process and plant experience.
• 5+ years manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading large, unionized manufacturing operations.
• Analytical problem-solving, continuous improvement mindset, conflict-resolution skills, and ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Lead plant safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee full manufacturing process from raw materials to shipping.
• Manage capital expenditure projects and plant profitability.
• Set production plans and drive cost reduction and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical problem solving

Continuous improvement

Conflict-resolution

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Overview

Decatur Plant Manager | Primient

Primient is a century-old company delivering plant-based, renewable food and industrial ingredients. We focus on safety, quality, and environmental stewardship with a dedication to excellence, Growth, Integrity, and our people.

About the Role

The Plant Manager for our Decatur, IL Corn Wet Milling Plant provides strategic leadership to operate the plant safely and efficiently, while being a good steward of the environment and delivering quality finished goods that meet customer expectations. This role has primary responsibility for ensuring Safety, Environmental, Health, Quality, Food Quality, Security, Cost, and Plant profitability standards are continually met or exceeded through the Plant Leadership Staff and the broader Primient network. The Plant Manager oversees the full manufacturing process from raw materials to shipping, and implements best practices to improve plant performance, including financial performance and capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

Safety and Environmental

• Responsible for growing a world-class zero-harm safety and environmental culture, driving continuous improvement through dialogue, actions and implementation of successful initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with internal and external regulations, policies, initiatives and procedures.
• Ensure all environmental permit limits are met; report deviations and expedite repairs to return systems to permit limits; collaborate across the operations network and with environmental counsels.

Team

• Partner with Human Resources to execute workforce and talent strategies that strengthen recruitment, retention, employee engagement, leadership development, and inclusion across the site.
• Direct change management through effective communication and education of the team on critical plant information.
• Inspire a culture aligned with Primient core values: safety, integrity, excellence and growth; model and reinforce guiding principles.
• Serve as senior site leader in fostering a positive labor-management relationship while maintaining CBA compliance; partner with HR and Legal to lead CBA negotiations.

Quality

• Drive delivery of high-quality finished products and ensure compliance with Food Safety regulatory requirements.

Productivity

• Deliver production plans aligned to commercial demand; work with the continuous improvement team to enhance the Primient Operating Model and develop a robust pipeline of improvement projects to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Manage operating costs and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Maintenance to improve reliability and uptime of plant assets and achieve industry best-practice performance.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization.
• Lead the execution of the capital expenditure plan to improve plant safety, reliability, operational efficiency, and cost structure.

Cost

• The Plant Director is accountable for cost performance across areas including CapEx, Fixed & Variable performance; requires strong financial acumen with proven experience managing a plant P&L and delivering year-on-year EBITDA growth. Includes strategy and KPI ownership.

Leadership

• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels; stay customer-focused and engage external parties when appropriate.
• Lead and inspire people; be an empowered, decisive leader.
• Energize the site with a positive, team-based approach and champion collaboration as a best practice within the Primient network.

About You

• Bachelor's of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive chemical process and plant experience; 5+ years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills; ability to mentor, lead, drive accountability, and delegate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication across the organization; experience leading large, unionized manufacturing operations.
• Experience in planning, design, procurement, labor management, production scheduling, quality control, shipping, and finance.
• Analytical problem-solving, continuous improvement mindset, conflict-resolution skills, and ability to multitask and manage time effectively.
• In-depth industry knowledge and ability to align strategy with execution.

Total Rewards

The annual pay range for this position is $197,843.20 – $247,304.00 and is bonus eligible. Compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and alignment with responsibilities; the interview process will cover fit to the pay range.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package, including: Competitive pay, healthcare options, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, disability and life insurance, paid holidays and vacation, floating days off, parental leave, Employee Resource Groups, learning and development programs, and a collaborative, growth-oriented culture.

Career Path & Culture

Primient is committed to a workplace that develops careers in an open culture embracing equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old thinking and encourage employee voices to guide ongoing learning. Primient supports inclusion, respects differences, and provides autonomy and accountability with opportunities for career growth.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

We strive to represent the communities where we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive workforce.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) information is provided for applicants as part of our hiring process, including data collection categories relevant to employment.