Plant Manager

ISU Research Park; Iowa; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ISU Research Park is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee multiple processing operations with a focus on efficiency, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. You will lead plant personnel, optimize production, manage inventories, and drive continuous improvement across cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong leadership, experience with USDA or regulatory agencies, and proven capability in budgeting and cost control within a food processing environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in food processing, beverage, or manufacturing industries.
• Experience working with USDA or other regulatory agencies.
• High-level documentation and written procedure skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform all duties of processing plant personnel.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop plant staff to create a high-performing and engaged workforce.
• Ensure a strong culture of safety, compliance, and teamwork within the plant.
• Develop and implement operational plans to maximize efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Manage and track egg and packaging inventories, ensuring optimal stock levels, including ordering, inventory management, and receiving responsibilities.
• Oversee plant supply management, including chemicals, labels, PPE, and parts.
• Maintain and improve plant processes through training, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and manage the plant's budget and cost-control measures to ensure financial stewardship.
• Establish accountability measures for problem-solving and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, DNR, EPA, SQF, GMP, and all relevant food safety regulation.
• Manage the on-site laboratory and quality team.
• Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment on operational goals and efficiency.
• Serve as the key point of contact for regulatory bodies and ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Handle customer R&M budget along with direct customer interactions on scheduling, timing, and availability.
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Food processing

Quality control

Safety

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of multiple, independent processing plant operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. This role involves managing plant personnel, optimizing production processes, maintaining inventory, and ensuring adherence to food safety and biosecurity protocols. The Plant Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams, including quality control, maintenance, safety, and human resources, to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Job Functions

Lead and develop plant staff to create a high-performing and engaged workforce

Ensure a strong culture of safety, compliance, and teamwork within the plant

Develop and implement operational plans to maximize efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards

Manage and track egg and packaging inventories, ensuring optimal stock levels, including ordering, inventory management, and receiving responsibilities

Oversee plant supply management, including chemicals, labels, PPE, and parts

Maintain and improve plant processes through training, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives

Develop and manage the plant's budget and cost-control measures to ensure financial stewardship

Establish accountability measures for problem-solving and cost-reduction initiatives

Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, DNR, EPA, SQF, GMP, and all relevant food safety regulation

Manage the on-site laboratory and quality team

Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment on operational goals and efficiency

Serve as the key point of contact for regulatory bodies and ensure audit readiness at all times

Handle customer R&M budget along with direct customer interactions on scheduling, timing, and availability

Perform additional duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Strong leadership, team-building, and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Knowledge of food processing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking systems.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Ability to work in various climate conditions, including extreme heat and cold environments.

Required Qualifications

4+ years of leadership experience in food processing, beverage, or manufacturing industries.

Experience working with USDA or other regulatory agencies.

High-level documentation and written procedure skills.

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform all duties of processing plant personnel.

Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience in process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.

Previous experience in large-scale food production facilities.

The primary work environment for this position is a food processing facility, which involves exposure to industrial equipment, chemicals, and temperature variations. The role requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, and performing manual tasks. The Plant Manager must be physically capable of these activities and comfortable working in an industrial setting. Additionally, availability for emergency or on-call situations is necessary, as the nature of food processing operations may require attention outside of regular business hours.