Plant Director: Chocolate Factory Operations Leader

Kansas Ag Connection; Abilene, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Stover Chocolates in Abilene, KS seeks a Plant Director to lead the onsite operations of the manufacturing facility. You will be a senior member of the operations leadership team, accountable for plant performance, safety, quality, and food safety objectives for about 500 employees.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage capital investments with engineering, partner with HR to build a high-performing culture, and ensure production is scheduled and costs are controlled.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 10+ years in manufacturing leadership.
• Experience with lean tools (5S, TPM, Six Sigma) and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and change leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate production operations, safety, maintenance, and quality.
• Achieve daily production and business goals within budget and schedules.
• Hire, train, and develop staff to build a high-performing workforce.
• Partner with Engineering to plan capital investments for cost and capacity.
• Drive GMP, GFSI, and food safety programs and record-keeping.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Strategic planning

Change management

Operations excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial/ mechanical / food science / business

Tools

SAP

Job description

Russell Stover Chocolates in Abilene, KS seeks a Plant Director to lead the onsite operations of the manufacturing facility. You will be a senior member of the operations leadership team, accountable for plant performance, safety, quality, and food safety objectives for about 500 employees.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage capital investments with engineering, partner with HR to build a high-performing culture, and ensure production is scheduled and costs are controlled.