Food Plant Operations Leader - Safety, Lean & Growth

NPAworldwide; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a food manufacturing facility focused on extruded and agglomerated products. The role oversees safety, quality, financial performance, and continuous improvement, driving site strategies and coordinated leadership across departments.

The ideal candidate has 6–12+ years in regulated food manufacturing, strong safety programs, and a proven ability to manage complex operations and plant upgrades to meet customer demands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 6-12+ years of progressive manufacturing or processing leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading food regulated environments with strong safety initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple complex manufacturing departments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple plants and ensure delivery of customer commitments.
• Develop and execute site-level strategies for production, quality, cost, and service.
• Lead safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence across site.
• Partner with Engineering on plant upgrades and automation projects.
• Foster leadership development and succession planning.

Skills

Food safety

Quality systems

Regulatory compliance

Financial acumen

Operations leadership

Maintenance planning

Change management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Science/Manufacturing

Job description

NPAworldwide is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a food manufacturing facility focused on extruded and agglomerated products. The role oversees safety, quality, financial performance, and continuous improvement, driving site strategies and coordinated leadership across departments.

The ideal candidate has 6–12+ years in regulated food manufacturing, strong safety programs, and a proven ability to manage complex operations and plant upgrades to meet customer demands.