Plant Manager

Boutique Recruiting; West Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical coverage with 75% premium paid

401(k) eligibility with profit sharing

PTO and 6 paid holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Boutique Recruiting is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to launch and operate a growing food manufacturing facility in West Burlington, Iowa. You will oversee production, packaging, quality, maintenance, sanitation and warehouse while building strong teams and scalable systems.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in leadership within food manufacturing, deep knowledge of USDA/FDA regulations, and a proven track record in high-volume operations, budgeting, and driving profitability while

Qualifications

• 8+ years of leadership in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations and food safety.
• Experience leading high-volume production operations (500,000+ pieces/week).
• Budgeting, P&L, capital projects and KPI oversight.
• Proven ability to manage multi‑shift operations with 70+ staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations including production, packaging, maintenance, quality, sanitation, warehouse and site administration.
• Build and coach a high-performing leadership team with accountability and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA and safety regs.
• Develop operating plans, budgets, capex, labor costs and production targets.
• Drive continuous improvement to increase throughput and reduce waste.
• Oversee maintenance, sanitation, pest control, allergen management and environmental monitoring.
• Report plant performance, risks and opportunities to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Budgeting

P&L management

Operations management

Team leadership

Education

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

Job description

Position Title: Plant Manager

Salary Range: $145,000–$180,000 / Year, DOE + Performance Bonus

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the launch and ongoing operations of a growing food manufacturing facility in West Burlington, Iowa. This leader will oversee production, packaging, maintenance, quality, sanitation, warehouse, and administrative functions while establishing the systems, teams, and operating standards needed to deliver safe, efficient, and profitable production at scale. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on food manufacturing leader who knows how to run a high-volume regulated operation, develop strong teams, and solve complex problems without losing sight of safety, quality or the bottom line.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations including production, packaging, maintenance, quality assurance, sanitation, warehouse, logistics and site administration
• Build, coach and develop a high‑performing leadership team while establishing accountability, succession planning and clear operational expectations
• Ensure compliance with SQF, HACCP, GMP, FDA, USDA and applicable workplace safety and regulatory requirements
• Develop and manage operating plans, budgets, capital expenditures, labor costs and production targets with accountability for plant profitability
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase throughput, reduce waste, improve equipment effectiveness and strengthen overall plant performance
• Oversee maintenance, reliability, sanitation, pest control, allergen management and environmental monitoring programs
• Partner with senior leadership, customers, suppliers, auditors and regulatory agencies while reporting on plant performance, risks and opportunities

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing with significant plant management or senior operations leadership experience
• Strong working knowledge of USDA and FDA regulations, food safety requirements, and quality management systems
• Experience leading high‑volume food production operations producing 500,000+ pieces per week
• Proven ability to manage multi‑shift operations, at least five direct supervisory reports and teams of 70+ employees
• Experience managing budgets, P&L performance, capital projects, labor, production costs and operational KPIs
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, Business or a related field preferred, with relevant experience considered
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure

Benefits

• Performance‑based bonus potential tied to individual, plant and company results
• Medical coverage with 75% of the premium paid by the company and HSA availability
• 401(k) eligibility after 60 days plus an annual profit‑sharing contribution
• PTO and vacation benefits & 6 paid holidays
• Relocation assistance including moving‑company expenses plus approximately $5,000 toward additional relocation costs