Plant Manager

Sterling Engineering; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Indianapolis seeks a seasoned operations manager to oversee daily production and packaging operations. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or Engineering, alongside 5–10 years of leadership experience in food production. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools is essential, as is bilingualism in English and Spanish. You will be responsible for ensuring safety compliance, driving continuous improvement programs, and communicating plant objectives effectively.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food production.
• Strong track record in safety and Lean practices.
• Ability to balance quality standards with cost, efficiency, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations in production, packaging, maintenance, sanitation, and shipping.
• Enforce safety, OSHA, and regulatory compliance throughout the facility.
• Develop and manage plant budgets for planning and cost control.
• Drive continuous improvement programs to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports by setting clear expectations.
• Analyze operational data to identify gaps and implement improvements.
• Communicate plant objectives and promote employee engagement.
• Ensure production meets company standards of quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Bilingual - English and Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations across production, packaging, maintenance, sanitation, receiving, and shipping, ensuring volume, quality, and schedule goals are achieved.
• Enforce and champion safety, OSHA, and regulatory compliance throughout the facility.
• Develop, manage, and monitor plant budgets, supporting the annual planning process and cost-control initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, waste reduction) to elevate efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports (supervisors, production leads) by setting clear expectations, conducting performance reviews, and fostering growth.
• Analyze operational data (OEE, uptime, efficiency) to identify gaps and implement improvement strategies.
• Act as a visible leader, communicating plant objectives, holding regular team meetings, and promoting employee engagement.
• Ensure production meets company standards of quality and authenticity (e.g., whole-kernel corn tortillas, no preservatives).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).
• 5–10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food production.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills with a proven track record in safety and Lean practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with production systems and data analysis tools.
• Ability to balance uncompromising quality standards with cost, efficiency, and safety.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required