Plant Director

DSJ Global; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is seeking a New Plant Director for a respected national Food organization in Madison, WI, to lead a turnaround program at a flagship facility and drive growth through strategic leadership, change implementation, and strong team development.

The role demands 10+ years in manufacturing leadership (food), deep GMP/food safety knowledge, and hands-on ERP/WMS, Lean, and Six Sigma experience; you will partner with executives to deliver safety, quality, and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Food Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including 5+ years leading operations as Plant Manager, Site Leader, or Director of Operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, GMP, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven expertise with ERP/WMS platforms and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all plant activities, ensuring achievement of production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety objectives.
• Drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing overall plant performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and employee engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, talent development, and performance management initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, quality, OSHA, EPA, and regulatory requirements while fostering a zero-harm workplace culture.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies that support business growth, scalability, and profitability.
• Leverage data, performance metrics, and industry best practices to drive informed decision-making and sustainable operational improvements.
• Oversee the implementation and optimization of business systems, technologies, and process improvement tools, including ERP, WMS, and related manufacturing platforms.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment, execution, and achievement of business objectives.
• Maintain operational governance through accurate documentation, reporting, and administrative controls while assuming additional responsibilities as required to support organizational success.

Skills

Leadership

Operational leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Manufacturing, Food Science, or related field

Tools

ERP/WMS

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Salary: USD170000 - USD200000 per year + bonus + strong benefits

• Madison WI
• $150,000 to $200,000 + Bonus + Strong Company Benefits

A very well respected national Food org is looking to hire a New Plant Director to help deliver a turnaround program for one of its Flagship facilities, and help springboard the business to its next level of growth. Along with developing a world-class team, the Leader will be responsible for selecting and implementing various new changes, including machinery, tools & systems, manufacturing practices, and employee succession planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all plant activities, ensuring achievement of production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety objectives.
• Drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing overall plant performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and employee engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, talent development, and performance management initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, environmental, quality, OSHA, EPA, and regulatory requirements while fostering a zero-harm workplace culture.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies that support business growth, scalability, and profitability.
• Leverage data, performance metrics, and industry best practices to drive informed decision-making and sustainable operational improvements.
• Oversee the implementation and optimization of business systems, technologies, and process improvement tools, including ERP, WMS, and related manufacturing platforms.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment, execution, and achievement of business objectives.
• Maintain operational governance through accurate documentation, reporting, and administrative controls while assuming additional responsibilities as required to support organizational success.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related discipline, complemented by extensive leadership experience within complex manufacturing environments.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including 10+ years in food manufacturing and 5+ years leading operations as a Plant Manager, Site Leader, or Director of Operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, GMP, quality systems, and regulatory compliance, with a strong commitment to maintaining safe, compliant, and high-performing operations.
• Demonstrated expertise in operational excellence, including ERP/WMS platforms, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive efficiency and business results.
• Proven people leader with exceptional communication, organizational, change management, and cultural transformation capabilities, successfully developing high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.