Plant Manager

Maker’s Pride, LLC; Michigan City (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Maker’s Pride, LLC is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee our Michigan City, IN co-manufacturing operations. You will lead production, packaging, maintenance, and quality control while driving safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience with manufacturing processes, quality standards, and regulatory compliance. A history of managing budgets, schedules, and supplier relations is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of managerial experience in a co-manufacturing or food production environment; baking experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with track record of driving operational excellence and achieving business objectives.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office; SAP/Oracle experience is a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, and quality control to meet targets and quality standards.
• Supervise and mentor managers, supervisors, technicians, and staff, fostering safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement production schedules and resource plans to optimize efficiency and meet customer demand while minimizing costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance protocols and regulatory requirements, addressing non-conformities and improving processes.
• Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety policies, conducting audits, and promoting safety culture.
• Manage plant budget and expenses, identifying cost saving opportunities and improving efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers and co-manufacturing partners to ensure timely delivery and build customer relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to reduce waste and enhance plant performance.
• Prepare regular reports on plant performance, including production and quality metrics, with insights for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic thinking

Continuous improvement

Data-driven decision making

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a skilled Plant Manager to oversee our co-manufacturing operations at our plant in Michigan City, IN. The Plant Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations while ensuring efficient production processes and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. This role requires strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of manufacturing operations in a co-manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership:Lead day-to-day plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, and quality control, to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Team Management:Supervise and mentor a team of managers, supervisors, technicians, and support staff, fostering a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Production Planning:Develop and implement production schedules and resource allocation plans to optimize efficiency and meet customer demand while minimizing costs.
• Quality Assurance:Ensure adherence to quality assurance protocols and regulatory requirements, implementing corrective actions as needed to address non-conformities and improve processes.
• Safety and Compliance:Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety policies and procedures, conducting regular safety audits, and promoting a culture of safety awareness among employees.
• Budget and Cost Control:Manage plant budget and expenses effectively, identifying opportunities for cost savings and implementing measures to improve operational efficiency.
• Supplier and Customer Relations:Collaborate with suppliers and co-manufacturing partners to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished goods, and build strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and preferences.
• Continuous Improvement:Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall plant performance.
• Reporting and Analysis:Prepare regular reports on plant performance, including production metrics, quality metrics, and financial KPIs, and provide analysis and recommendations for improvement to senior management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Proven experience (10+ years) in a managerial role within a co-manufacturing or food production environment. Baking experience is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving operational excellence and achieving business objectives.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other relevant certifications is desirable.

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