Plant Manager

Biosearch Life, a Kerry Company; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company within the food and beverage sector seeks a Plant Manager to ensure operational excellence at their Melrose Park facility. The role involves overseeing manufacturing processes, fostering talent development, and driving strategic initiatives focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement. Candidates should have substantial operations management experience in the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industries, alongside excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in operations management in food/pharma manufacturing.
• 3+ years with direct reports; 2+ years as Plant Manager or high-level Production Manager.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all manufacturing operations, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Translate strategic business plans into site operations.
• Develop and coach talent to maintain high performance.

Skills

Change Management

Continuous Improvement

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Communication

Technical Expertise

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in applicable field

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About The Role

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall management and leadership of the operations and reports directly to the VP of Manufacturing. Will work closely with Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain and Quality leadership to ensure operations objectives are met in a safe and efficient manner. This position requires the individual to be on site daily and available as needed to ensure the successful operation of this key facility of Kerry in NA.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for all manufacturing operations including safety, production efficiencies and financial performance of the plant

Translates the business unit’s strategic plan into a strategic plan for site operations, effectively communicating the plan, tracking and communicating results

Executes strategic plan through leadership of operations department and staff, keeping employee and food safety as top priorities

Ensures optimum organizational design, creates an engaged and team-oriented workforce and coaches/develops talent to perform at a high level and meet business demands

Drives and supports continuous improvement processes to ensure safety, quality, cost, and customer service goals are met.

Controls all costs that directly affect the plants performance

Accountable for providing a safe working environment and practicing GMPS.

Qualifications And Skills

5+ years’ experience in an operations management role in the food, beverage or pharma manufacturing industry

3+ years of experience with direct reports. 2+ years of experience with Plant Manager title, or 6+ years of experience as high-level Production Manager.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in an applicable field of study.

Demonstrated success as a change agent & developing/implementing continuous improvement initiatives and accountability programs.

Demonstrated success assessing, developing and retaining top talent.

Proven ability to drive process improvements, adhere to budgets, and maintain regulatory compliance.

Proven ability to lead with the following key competencies: Strategic Thinking, Managing Change, Critical Thinking, Continuous Cost Focus, Technical Expertise, Influence and Delivery of Sustainable Results.

Organizational Skills & Excellent Communication Skills Are Essential.

Experience with the ERP (SAP) systems, MS Office and other relevant systems

The typical hiring range for this role is: $125,181.00 Minimum $172,664.00 Midpoint $217,557.00 Maximum