Plant Manager

Industrial Resource Group; Harrington (DE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Resource Group is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for a large-scale food production facility in the Mid-Atlantic. You will oversee production, maintenance, quality, supply chain and engineering, and align plant performance with safety, quality and cost objectives.

This senior role partners with executive leadership to drive continuous improvement, Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, HACCP/GMP compliance, and a high-performance culture

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience overseeing large-scale production facilities.
• Strong track record in Lean/Six Sigma programs and cost reduction initiatives.
• Deep understanding of safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMPs, food safety).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Lead workforce planning, succession, and talent development across multiple departments.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory adherence across plant functions.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean methodologies and cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Team development

Safety management

Regulatory compliance

Job description

A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking an accomplished Plant Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for a large-scale production facility in the Mid-Atlantic region. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all major plant functions, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering. The Plant Manager is accountable for achieving key business objectives related to safety, food quality, productivity, cost control, environmental compliance, and employee development. This position serves as the critical link between site operations and executive leadership, while fostering a high-performance culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop superintendents, supervisors, and support personnel across multiple departments.
• Drive workforce planning, succession strategies, and talent acquisition initiatives to build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Implement coaching and development programs to improve performance and retention.

Operational Management

• Provide strategic oversight of daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, customer requirements, and quality standards.
• Optimize labor, materials, and equipment utilization to maximize efficiency and control costs.
• Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimal downtime.
• Direct cross-functional collaboration to achieve plant-wide objectives.

Safety & Risk Management

• Establish and reinforce a proactive safety culture across all departments.
• Ensure compliance with occupational safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead audits, inspections, and risk mitigation initiatives to reduce incidents and strengthen compliance.

Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMPs, sanitation programs, and internal quality standards.
• Lead quality assurance efforts to maintain product integrity and exceed customer expectations.
• Implement preventive measures to reduce waste, improve product consistency, and minimize recall risk.

Environmental Stewardship

• Oversee compliance with air, water, waste, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Partner with corporate sustainability teams to support environmental goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Analyze performance metrics and lead corrective actions to drive measurable results.
• Execute strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs across all departments.

Reporting & Executive Communication

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of plant performance metrics, including production, quality, safety, and financial results.
• Present operational insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary liaison between plant operations and corporate management.