Plant Manager

Indiana Sugars, Inc.; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana Sugars, Inc. in Gary, Indiana seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations and drive safety, quality, and efficiency.

The role partners with Safety, Quality, HR, Customer Service, Sales and Finance to deliver high-quality products while meeting targets for safety, service, and profitability. You will develop strategic plans, oversee capital projects, and coach teams to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Proven leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Evidence of driving operational improvements and measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for plant operations, fostering safety, accountability, and engagement.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for safety, quality, food safety, productivity, and profitability.
• Lead manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, and operations teams to meet production targets and delivery expectations.
• Analyze operational and financial performance to identify opportunities and implement improvements.
• Develop and execute strategic plans supporting plant and company growth.
• Oversee major projects, capital improvements, and performance reporting.
• Manage plant costs to achieve budget and profitability goals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Coach and develop employees through training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative culture that encourages ideas and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Indiana Sugars is seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing operations at our Gary, Indiana facility. This leadership role drives operational excellence across production, safety, quality, food safety, maintenance, inventory management, and employee engagement.

The Plant Manager partners closely with leaders in Safety, Quality, Human Resources, Customer Service, Sales, and Finance to ensure the facility consistently delivers high-quality products while meeting business objectives for safety, service, and efficiency.

What You\'ll Do

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, food safety, productivity, reliability, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
• Lead manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, and operational teams to ensure production targets and customer delivery expectations are achieved.
• Analyze operational and financial performance to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions.
• Develop and execute strategic plans that support plant and company growth objectives.
• Oversee major projects, capital improvements, operational initiatives, and performance reporting.
• Manage plant costs and resources to achieve or exceed budget and profitability goals.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Champion employee development through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote an inclusive and collaborative work environment where employees can contribute ideas and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in business, Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Previous leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• SQF experience is required.
• Strong understanding of quality systems, food safety programs, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading large, diverse teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to drive operational improvements and achieve measurable business results.

Preferred

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing plant budgets and financial performance.
• Knowledge of inventory control and warehouse operations.
• Experience leading change management and operational transformation initiatives.
• Working in unionized environments.

What We\'re Looking For

• Leads with integrity and accountability.
• Builds high-performing teams.
• Creates a positive and motivating workplace culture.
• Effectively manages competing priorities.
• Drive results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and food safety.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Join Our Team

Indiana Sugars is an Equal Opportunity Employer.