Plant Manager

Westway Feed Products LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westway Feed Products LLC in Houston, Texas, is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our bulk liquid feed facility, focusing on efficiency, safety, and profitability.

This role directs production, logistics, and staffing, drives continuous improvement, and ensures orders meet customer needs while maintaining compliance. We offer a fast-paced, global environment with career development opportunities in a leading livestock feed supplier.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in manufacturing, preferably in bulk liquids or related industries.
• Bachelor’s degree is highly preferred.
• Experience with bulk liquid handling across truck, shipping, and rail.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and coordinate plant staff operations.
• Coordinate production, receiving, and on-time order fulfillment.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and safety.
• Plan customer service activities for the plant.
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management of staff.
• Ensure compliance with policies, safety and environmental requirements.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Bulk liquids handling

Continuous improvement

Leadership / People management

Communication skills

Budgeting / planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Windows applications

Plant automation software

Truck, bulk and inventory programs

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for a Plant Manager based in Houston, Texas. This role will manage the day-to-day operation of the Westway Feed Products bulk liquid feed facility to maximize efficiency, safety, and profitability. This role will ensure that all orders are handled effectively and in line with customer’s needs. Working within our highly diverse business you will have the opportunity to make a real impact working on a range of regional and global projects, support on the day-to-day management of plant issues.

Position Title:

Business area: Liquid Products

Location: Houston, Texas

Position Type: Full-time

Business Overview

Westway Feed Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of liquid supplements for livestock. Additionally, we produce feed mill products, dried molasses and industrial products. The core concept of Westway’s business is to utilize co-products from other industries and convert them into safe, high-quality, cost effective, livestock feed supplements. While Westway’s primary ingredient for many of our products is molasses, we also incorporate other co-products. The concept of utilizing these co-products is the foundation of our sustainability platform. Today, Westway operates 22 production facilities across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our geographic reach allows for products to be developed according to environmental and production system variations across the country.

Westway, a division within ED&F Man, is owned by Hartree Partners, LP a leading global merchant commodities firm facilitating the flow of energy, metals, agriculture, and environmental products across the full commodity supply chain, connecting producers and consumers. Hartree was founded in 1997, is jointly owned by senior management and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, LP, and employs around 5,000 individuals worldwide.

Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises and coordinates the activities of the plant employees including administrative staff.
• Coordination of production and goods receiving, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled correctly.
• Makes recommendations for improvements regarding the efficiency of the plant operations.
• Planning and coordinating customer service activities for the plant.
• Enforcing company policies and procedures to promote and ensure a safe and environmentally responsible workplace, assisting with safety meetings and inspections.
• Ensures all production is carried out as per company polices and regulations, including ensuring appropriate product mixing and blending are followed.
• Coordinating the logistics and movement of product to customers.
• Planning, development and completion of record keeping programs.
• Assist with plant audits and completes special projects as requested by management.
• Interacts and communicates with colleagues and employees in a professional and appropriate manner, working to generate respect and encouraging active learning.
• Leads recruitment, training & development, performance and compensation management, time-off/leave policies and discipline for employees
• Takes the initiative to identify problems, uses judgment to find appropriate solutions and follows through to resolution in a timely manner.

Skills and Expertise

To perform the duties of this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below outline the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies that are required in this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience required ideally from agriculture, bulk liquids, chemicals, fertilizers, terminal operations or food manufacturing.
• Educated to bachelor’s degree level is highly preferred.
• Experience with the broad, multi-mode bulk liquid handling including truck, shipping and rail.
• Good general engineering and maintenance knowledge of equipment including steam boilers, compressors, loading racks, product blenders and automation systems.
• Previous experience launching continuous improvement initiatives is desirable, with a yellow or green belt certificate highly desirable.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with truck, bulk and inventory programs, alongside MS windows applications and plant automation software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and techniques used in planning, budgeting, reporting and staffing.
• Ability to work effectively with others, has strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Effective communication, verbally and in writing, and good presentation skills at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to resolve and overcome issues, problems and roadblocks to meet objectives.

We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Our Offer

We provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.

Integrity, Accountability, Teamwork, Passion for Service, Business Insight

Westway’s values guide our pursuit of providing a safe and rewarding environment for our employees while helping our customers to thrive.

Our Commitment

We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

To apply you must have the right to work for the provided location.