Plant Manager

Welch's; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health Savings Accounts

Life and accident insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Tuition reimbursement program

Paid parental leave

Paid volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

Welch's is seeking a Plant Manager for our Grandview, WA fruit processing facility. Lead 60+ employees across production, quality, maintenance, engineering and distribution, with a 24/7 harvest season. The role requires safety leadership, continuous improvement mindset and strong cross‑functional collaboration to deliver reliable, high‑quality outputs.

Relocation support is available. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, manage budgets, oversee KPIs, and partner with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations or related field is required.
• Food and beverage experience is required (beverage processing preferred).
• Prior plant management or senior production operations management role is required.
• Experience with Continuous Improvement/Lean methods and tools (Six Sigma, TPM, 5S) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient operations across production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and distribution.
• Provide visible, on-site leadership and develop talent with succession planning.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean culture to reduce waste and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop operating plans, manage budgets, and monitor KPIs.
• Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to align quality, service and cost goals.

Skills

Plant management experience

Lean/Continuous Improvement knowledge

Financial/budget awareness

Leadership and team development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations, or Supply Chain

Job description

Job Description

Grow with Welch's! Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary! At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.

Position Summary

Relocation support is available for non‑local candidates interested in the position. The Plant Manager reports to the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and is responsible for leading all Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Distribution functions for the Grandview facility.

As the site leader of the facility, this role is accountable for delivering safe, efficient, and high‑quality operations while driving continuous improvement, employee engagement, and business performance. This is a unique opportunity to lead during a period of transformation within the broader Welch's business. The successful candidate will serve as a visible change agent, partnering with the broader Supply Chain Leadership Team to continuously evaluate operations, strengthen organizational capability, and build a high‑performing culture that embraces accountability, agility, and operational excellence. Given the seasonal nature of our business, this leader will also play a critical role in preparing the organization for harvest, ensuring the plant is operationally ready to successfully execute one of the most important periods of the year.

Where You'll Work

Based at our Grandview, Washington fruit processing facility, this role supports a team of approximately 60 union and non‑union employees across the grape and apple processing operations that take place within this facility. Seasonality is a defining part of our business. During harvest (typically late August through October), the facility operates in a true 24/7 environment. This role is expected to provide visible leadership and operational support during this critical period, ensuring the plant is prepared to safely and successfully deliver against production commitments.

What You'll Do

• Safety, Regulatory and Compliance: Ensures that GMPs, behaviors, practices and the work environment support a safe workplace by enforcing safety and sanitary rules and principles. Manage all procedures in respect to Welch's role within the community (i.e. safety & environmental regulations, plant security and environmental policies).
• Leadership and Employee Development: Provide a visible, dynamic and trustworthy leadership presence on‑site. Champion organizational transformation by fostering a culture of ownership, continuous improvement and adaptability. Lead, motivate, and build a collaborative team environment, by conveying and driving a compelling vision, focused on a continuous improvement culture. Assess existing capabilities with a focus on developing skillsets as well as identifying and closing gaps in current knowledge through the development of individual growth plans. Drive a collaborative culture of excellence and accountability through employee engagement strategies and formal, consistent communication. Ensure succession plans are in place for critical roles, as well as identify and develop top talent.
• Continuous Improvement: Act as a catalyst for change, challenging legacy process and driving operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, service and productivity. Build organizational capability by embedding Lean principles and continuous improvement into everyday decision‑making and plant operations. Demand a 0 waste and 0 loss mindset throughout the facility.
• Financial Oversight and Performance: Collaborate with plant leadership team and Finance to develop annual operating plans, manage budget, optimize cash flow, set priorities, and identify financial trends/gaps with strategic plans to close gaps and meet goals. Plan and optimize resources to ensure ongoing execution of site plans across the entire site. Manage the achievement of key performance indicators by tracking results versus targets for safety, quality, labor efficiency, customer satisfaction, cost/case, productivity, and cost contribution management.
• Customer and Stakeholder Relationships: Partner with Commercial, Supply Chain, and key customers to ensure alignment on product quality, service expectations, and operational priorities. Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to proactively resolve issues, improve service levels, and support business objectives. Collaborate cross‑functionally to execute initiatives that improve customer satisfaction, operational performance, and financial results.

Who You Are

A visible and authentic leader who thrives in periods of ambiguity and knows how to bring people along through change. A change agent who can balance operational excellence with long‑term strategic improvements, sustaining momentum while maintaining day‑to‑day execution. Comfortable making sound judgement calls in a fast‑paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and leading through uncertainty with confidence, resilience and an action‑oriented mindset. Expertise in overseeing manufacturing operations, including production planning/scheduling, line setup and change out, production control, and production optimization. Expertise in manufacturing standards and metrics (e.g., KPIs) for safety, quality, production, labor and material variances. Expertise in forecasting, budgeting, and P&L management. Experience managing capital improvement initiatives and expansion plans during ongoing operation.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain or related major is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience that proves ability to perform role may be considered.
• Food and beverage (particularly beverage processing) required.
• Prior plant management or senior production operations management role required.
• Experience working with Continuous Improvement/Lean methods and tools (Six Sigma, TPM, 5s) preferred.

What You'll Enjoy

Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future.

• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself.
• Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business.
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non‑union employees.
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career.

Compensation Package

Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)401K plan with Generous Company MatchFlexible Benefits from your first day:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Accounts
• Life and accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Additional benefits available through Perks at Work
• Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 6 months of employment

The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $150,000 - $160,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full‑time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.