Plant Manager

Grande Cheese Company; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost onsite clinics

Free onsite fitness center

Free healthy snacks

Health and wellness reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Grande Cheese Company in Friendship, WI seeks a Plant Manager to lead a whey processing facility. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost control while guiding lean initiatives and cross-functional teams.

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will shape long-term operations strategy and partner with Engineering, R&D, and Quality. Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of senior operations leadership, strong problem-solving, and a passion for continuous improvement in a food

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Leadership, Industrial Tech or related field.
• 8+ years in high-level Operations Leadership/Management in food manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of lean principles and process optimization.
• Knowledge of CFR, FSMA, PMO and Bioterrorism Act regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities.
• Ability to work with people at all levels and across functions.
• Strong decision making, organizational and reasoning skills.
• Vision and passion; strong delegation and business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead a complex whey processing facility with cross-functional teams.
• Drive lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and safety/compliance.
• Develop long-term operational strategies and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Partner with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality and Maintenance to implement process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Decision making

Delegation

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Job description

Lead a high-performing manufacturing operation where engineering, innovation, and operational excellence come together to drive business results. As Plant Managerof the Friendship, WI location, you will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day leadership of a complex whey processing facility, leveraging engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and continuous improvement methodologies to optimize safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer service performance. Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, you will lead cross-functional teams, develop long-term operational strategies, and partner with Engineering, R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Maintenance to implement process improvements and capitalize on growth opportunities.

This role is ideal for a technically-minded leader who enjoys translating data into action, solving complex operational challenges, and delivering measurable results. You will champion lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and process optimization initiatives while overseeing regulatory compliance, food safety programs, capital improvements, and talent development. With significant influence on facility performance and future direction, you'll have the opportunity to drive innovation, lead transformational change, and make a lasting impact on both the business and the people who power it.

What you need to be considered for the role:

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, Leadership, Industrial Tech, or other related field required.
• Eight (8) or more years related experience in high-level Operations Leadership/Management related positions, preferably in the food manufacturing industry, required.
• Knowledge and experience of lean principles and process optimization.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local food and water regulations, including CFR, FSMA, the PMO, and Bioterrorism Act.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership & team building skills
• Ability to work with people at all levels and across all functions
• Strong decision making, organizational, and reasoning skills
• Vision & Passion
• Strong ability to delegate
• Business Acumen

Preferred:

• Cross-functional experience and training in other Operations functions such as Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Safety, etc. preferred.
• Certification in lean manufacturing, such as Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma preferred.

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses That Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com .

• Low-cost onsite clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Paid parental leave

Why Friendship?

Located in Adams County, Friendship combines small-town charm with opportunities to enjoy Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Known for its welcoming community, strong local values, and proximity to lakes, parks, and outdoor recreation, Friendship offers an ideal setting for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Residents and visitors enjoy easy access to nearby state parks, local dining and entertainment, and community events that celebrate the area’s close-knit spirit. Friendship provides a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career while enjoying a supportive community atmosphere.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors Degree or better in Operations Management.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.