Plant Manager

Milkhouse Candle Co; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Milkhouse Candle Co. is in search of an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily operations at their manufacturing facility in New Hampton, Iowa. This critical leadership role demands a hands-on manager who can not only lead operations but also build a motivated and high-performing team while upholding the company’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

Positive and inclusive work culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Hands-on experience in production scheduling and quality assurance.
• Ability to engage across all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all plant operations including production and quality control.
• Implement operational improvements using lean practices.
• Coach and support supervisors creating an empowered team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

ERP systems

Job description

Description

Milkhouse Candle Co. is seeking a hands-on, experienced Plant Manager to lead daily operations at our manufacturing facility in New Hampton, Iowa. This critical leadership role is responsible for overseeing production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse operations to ensure our products are produced safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

The ideal candidate is not just a manager but a builder of people, systems, and culture—someone who leads with integrity, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can scale operations while maintaining the care and craftsmanship that define our brand.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all plant operations, including production, maintenance, shipping/receiving, inventory, and quality control.
• Deliver daily performance in alignment with company goals for output, quality, cost, and on-time fulfillment.
• Foster a culture of safety, cleanliness, and accountability, ensuring all employees follow established procedures and safety standards.
• Coach and support supervisors and team leads, creating an environment where teams feel empowered, supported, and motivated.
• Implement and sustain operational improvements, using lean practices, visual management, and practical problem-solving to reduce waste and increase efficiency.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and training, partnering with HR and department heads to ensure proper staffing levels and skill development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with leadership in R&D, Finance, Sales, and Customer Service to align plant priorities with broader business objectives.
• Track and manage key metrics, including labor utilization, scrap, downtime, throughput, and order fulfillment accuracy.
• Own the physical space and equipment, ensuring preventative maintenance is in place and capital needs are identified and addressed.
• Support the unique aspects of our business, including seasonal demand, batch production, and frequent changeovers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment (consumer goods or batch production preferred).
• Experience leading teams in a hands-on, floor-based role where visibility and presence matter.
• Solid understanding of production scheduling, quality assurance, inventory management, and maintenance systems.
• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, and use of KPIs to drive performance.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage across all levels of the organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and ERP systems (or ability to learn quickly).
• Commitment to Milkhouse Candle Co.’s core values: integrity, craftsmanship, team collaboration, and pride in our product.
  

What Success Looks Like

• A plant floor that runs smoothly, safely, and predictably
• Engaged teams who feel supported, challenged, and part of something special
• Improved efficiency through better systems, scheduling, and leadership
• Customers receiving a consistent, high-quality product on time

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, or related field.
• Ability to communicate in more than one language.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Frequent exposure to fragrance, wax, and packaging materials.
• Must be able to walk the floor, bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and remain physically active throughout the day.
• Occasionally required to sit at a desk for reporting or planning.
• Ability to wear PPE and adhere to all safety and cleanliness standards.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A positive and inclusive work culture that values teamwork and collaboration.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.