Plant Leader, High-Volume Snack Production

J&J Snack Foods Corp; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

J&J Snack Foods Corp. seeks a Plant Manager to lead a high-volume snack food manufacturing plant. Responsibilities include safety, quality, cost control, and continuous improvement, reporting to the Director of Operations.

The role requires strong cross-functional leadership across production, maintenance, and sanitation to achieve the production plan. Ideal candidates will bring 7–10+ years of manufacturing leadership, a focus on OSHA/FDA/GMP compliance, and demonstrated success in Lean and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; Master's preferred.
• 7–10+ years leading manufacturing operations, preferably in CPG or food production.
• Proven safety management with OSHA compliance.
• Experience with GMP and food quality systems.
• Strong budgeting and cost control experience.
• Familiarity with Lean, 5S, Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Experience with SAP or JD Edwards is a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, warehouse, planning, and sanitation.
• Promote safety culture and ensure OSHA/FDA/GMP/HACCP compliance.
• Deliver production plan on time by optimizing OEE, labor efficiency, yield, and waste reduction.
• Partner with Quality to uphold food safety standards and lead corrective actions.
• Build and develop a high-performing team and succession planning.
• Manage plant budget, labor, overhead, waste, and conversion costs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with Lean, 5S, and kaizen events.
• Ensure equipment reliability and manage preventive maintenance and capital projects.
• Collaborate with Planning, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Distribution.
• Track and report KPIs to senior leadership.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Strategic Planning

Operational Excellence

Lean / Kaizen

Data-driven Decision Making

Communication

Employee Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Management, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SAP

JD Edwards

Job description

J&J Snack Foods Corp. seeks a Plant Manager to lead a high-volume snack food manufacturing plant. Responsibilities include safety, quality, cost control, and continuous improvement, reporting to the Director of Operations.

The role requires strong cross-functional leadership across production, maintenance, and sanitation to achieve the production plan. Ideal candidates will bring 7–10+ years of manufacturing leadership, a focus on OSHA/FDA/GMP compliance, and demonstrated success in Lean and