Plant Manager - Dover, DE

Kraft Heinz Company; Dover (DE); On-site; USD 184,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the food industry is seeking an experienced Plant Manager for its Dover manufacturing site. The role involves overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and driving efficiency and employee engagement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing leadership, with a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder management.

Benefits

Healthcare and protection plans

Paid time off and flexible work

Retirement plans and life insurance

Employee assistance and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in food & beverage processing.
• Proven track record of operational excellence and efficiency improvements.
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and relevant safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Build a high-performing team to enable factory and business success.
• Provide strategic leadership to ensure efficient and safe operations.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Operational Excellence

Stakeholder Management

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, or related field

Tools

TPM

Lean Manufacturing

Job description

Plant Manager - Dover, DE

Plant Manager - Dover, DE

Apply locations: Dover, DE | Full time | Posted 27 Days Ago | Job requisition id: R-92366

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to lead our Dover, DE manufacturing site, the largest in the area, producing powdered beverages and desserts for brands like Jell-O, Crystal Light, and Kool-Aid. As a key member of our leadership team, you will oversee operations of our 650-employee site, featuring five production departments and 30 manufacturing lines. If you're a seasoned manufacturing leader passionate about driving efficiency, quality, and employee engagement, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

1. Build a high-performing team to enable factory and business success.
2. Provide strategic leadership to ensure the site operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations including food safety, environmental protection, occupational health & safety, labor laws, and others.
3. Oversee production planning, inventory management, employee training & development, maintenance scheduling, and other operational aspects to meet business objectives.
4. Foster relationships with suppliers, customers, vendors, contractors, government agencies, community leaders, and media to drive growth and engagement.
5. Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives like lean manufacturing or Six Sigma to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
6. Collaborate with teams to implement new technologies, automation, equipment upgrades, and process improvements to drive innovation and waste reduction.
7. Analyze performance metrics such as production volume, yield, defect rates, downtime, and other KPIs to identify improvement areas and support data-driven decisions.
8. Lead team meetings, conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, address grievances, and discipline employees to maintain a high-performing workforce.
9. Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including employees, management, and external partners, ensuring transparency and clarity.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
2. Minimum 5 years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in food & beverage processing or CPG.
3. Proven track record of operational excellence, efficiency improvements, and cost reductions; factory turnaround experience is a plus.
4. Experience with TPM, lean manufacturing, or similar management systems.
5. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to motivate and engage employees at all levels.
6. Leadership skills in managing high-performing teams and fostering employee engagement.
7. Stakeholder management experience.
8. Knowledge of HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and relevant safety and food safety regulations.
9. Ability to work independently and collaboratively, building trusting relationships with employees, stakeholders, and the community.

Our Total Rewards philosophy offers a flexible spectrum of programs supporting our diverse workforce and their families, aligning with Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

Salary Range: $184,800 - $231,000

Bonus: Performance-based bonus as per plan terms.

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): Eligible for equity compensation.

Benefits: Healthcare, protection, and savings plans tailored to meet your needs, in accordance with plan terms.

Wellbeing: Programs and resources supporting physical, social, emotional, and financial health, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, screenings
• Paid time off, holidays, flexible work, recognition, training
• Employee assistance, wellbeing, family support
• Retirement plans, life and disability insurance

Location: Dover Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants requiring accommodations should contact [e-mail].

About Us

Kraft Heinz is a global food company with iconic brands, committed to innovation, ownership culture, and sustainability. We value diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our mission to nourish the world and lead the future of food.

Why Us

We invest in our people, challenge the status quo, celebrate wins and learn from failures, and build something great together. We believe great people create great companies, and we're growing something exceptional here.

Inclusion Matters to Us

We embrace diversity and foster inclusive environments through talent development, resource groups, and leadership training, ensuring everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute authentically.