Plant Manager

Confidential; Georgia; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Georgia seeks a Plant Manager to lead a cGMP manufacturing facility across production, quality, maintenance and site compliance. You will drive safety, efficiency, and cost performance while ensuring FDA, OSHA and cGMP standards are met and continuous improvement is pursued.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strategic budget management, and cross-functional collaboration with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and R&D.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or life sciences; equivalent experience considered.
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership with 3+ years in plant/site management.
• Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment (biotech/pharma).
• Experience in specialty ingredient manufacturing, chemical, or bio-processing plant.
• Strong FDA regulatory knowledge and quality systems exposure.
• Proven P&L, budgeting, and capital project experience.
• Excellent communication, time management, and change management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, yield targets, and cost budgets.
• Oversee capacity planning, batch scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Drive OEE, right-first-time rate, and cycle time improvements.
• Ensure staffing coverage and cross-training across production areas.
• Lead site audits/inspections with FDA, customers and internal teams.
• Partner with QA on deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and audit readiness.
• Develop and manage the site's annual operating budget and capex.
• Report site KPIs to executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting/P&L

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Problem-solving

Change management

Multi-shift leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related technical field

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Electronic batch records

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Plant Manager to be responsible for the overall leadership, safety, and performance of a cGMP manufacturing facility, including production, quality, maintenance, and site compliance functions. This role ensures the site consistently meets production targets, quality standards, and regulatory requirements (cGMP, FDA, OSHA) while driving continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and cost performance. This hands‑on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative applied to the various duties and aspects of the position.

Responsibilities:

Operations and Production

• Direct day‑to‑day manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, yield targets, and cost budgets.
• Oversee capacity planning, batch scheduling, and resource allocation across production teams.
• Drive Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), right‑first‑time rate, and cycle time improvements.
• Ensure adequate staffing, shift coverage, and cross‑training across production areas.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), SOPs, and batch record requirements.
• Partner with Quality Assurance on deviation investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and audit readiness.
• Serve as a site leader during FDA, customer, and internal audits/inspections.
• Ensure timely, accurate documentation practices (data integrity, ALCOA+ principles).

Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS)

• Champion a strong safety culture; own site safety metrics (TRIR, near‑miss reporting, corrective actions).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other applicable environmental and safety regulations.
• Lead incident investigations and implement preventive/corrective measures.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, shift leads, and manufacturing staff.
• Set performance goals, conduct evaluations, and manage disciplinary actions in partnership with HR.
• Foster cross‑functional collaboration with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and R&D.
• Build succession plans and talent pipelines for key production roles.

Continuous Improvement Strategy

• Identify and lead Lean/Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility expansions in coordination with Engineering.
• Develop and manage the site’s annual operating budget and capital expenditure plans.
• Report site KPIs (throughput, yield, quality, safety, cost) to executive leadership.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including 3+ years in a plant/site manager or senior operations leadership role
• Direct experience operating within a cGMP‑regulated environment (biotech, pharma, or related life sciences manufacturing)
• Must have prior experience in a specialty ingredient manufacturing, chemical, or bio‑processing plant
• Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations, batch record systems, and quality management systems
• Demonstrated success managing P&L, budgets, and capital projects
• Proven people‑leadership skills with experience managing multi‑shift teams
• Excellent communication skills; both oral and written are required.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills are required.
• Computer skills and an in‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Windows based programs are required.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Requires effective time management skills, personal conduct, and change management abilities.
• Ability to effectively interact with co‑workers, vendors, contractors and other business contacts.
• Must comply with Manus’s core values for the safe and efficient operation of the business and maintain sound relationships among and with employees.

Food Manufacturing Requirements:

• Working knowledge of food safety management systems (HACCP, SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000) and GFSI‑aligned quality frameworks, in addition to cGMP
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification and working knowledge of FSMA preventive controls; FSVP knowledge a plus for imported ingredients
• Demonstrated ownership of yield, giveaway, and cost‑of‑goods performance in a margin‑sensitive production environment
• Experience with allergen control programs, sanitation/CIP validation, and environmental pathogen monitoring
• Comfort managing variable‑cost, productivity‑driven labor models typical of food manufacturing operations

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, or MBA
• Experience with fermentation‑based or bioprocessing manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Experience with ERP/MES systems and electronic batch records
• Prior experience leading facility expansions or tech transfers

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk/stand for extended periods on the production floor.
• Ability to wear required PPE (gowning, safety glasses, hearing protection) in manufacturing and cleanroom areas.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Availability for occasional off‑shift or weekend coverage as operational needs require.

Work Environment:

• Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to controlled/classified spaces, chemicals, and process equipment
• May require entry into cleanroom or containment areas per site gowning protocols