Plant Manager, Fabrication

Specialty Herd Solutions; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Job summary

Specialty Herd Solutions is seeking a Plant Manager to lead all facets of plant operations in a fast-growing dairy equipment company. You will oversee production, safety, quality, and maintenance while driving a strong culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

The role requires hands-on leadership, cross‑functional collaboration, and the ability to develop a high-performing workforce. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of manufacturing or plant operations experience

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years manufacturing or plant operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT and related regulations.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations to meet production, quality, safety, and cost objectives.
• Develop, implement, and standardize SOPs and best practices across production.
• Monitor production KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Data analysis

Safety management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning tools

Job description

Founded in 1999, Specialty Herd Solutions is a fast-growing leader in the dairy industry, delivering comprehensive animal care through premium products, innovative equipment, and reliable bulk delivery. We are looking for a customer-focused professional who takes ownership , leads with integrity , and collaborates selflessly to support our clients' success.

As a Plant Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of plant operations, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, transportation/ logistics, and inventory management. This “hands‑on” role ensures efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations while being a part of and developing a high‑performing workforce and driving a strong culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Operations & Production

• Participate in and lead daily plant operations to meet production, quality, safety, and cost objectives
• Develop, implement, and standardize SOPs and best practices across production
• Monitor and achieve production KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and applicable regulatory requirements
• Support and lead audits, inspections, PHAs, and MOCs

Quality & Chemical Management

• Oversee product quality, testing standards, and documentation accuracy
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for quality issues
• Ensure proper chemical handling, storage, compatibility, and disposal practices
• Oversee equipment reliability programs, including preventive maintenance and repairs
• Ensure proper inspection processes and equipment standards are maintained
• Manage material flow, inventory accuracy, and warehouse operations
• Design and implement efficient inventory strategies (FIFO/FEFO)
• Ensure accurate shipping, receiving, and documentation processes
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations including driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle inspections, and recordkeeping

• Hire, coach, and develop plant personnel
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures
• Build bench strength and succession planning for key roles
• Foster collaboration across departments (EHS, QA, Maintenance, Supply Chain)
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements
• Utilize data to drive decision‑making and operational strategy
• Directly supervises production, operations, logistics and/or support staff
• Responsible for performance management, training, and disciplinary actions
• Leads cross‑functional coordination across plant functions

High school diploma or GED required

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred

Minimum 7 Years Of Manufacturing Or Plant Operations Experience

• Strong knowledge of industrial safety and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and improving operational performance
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or regulated environments
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, fleet management, and transportation compliance
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools
• Strong mechanical and process troubleshooting background
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations, driver safety requirements, and fleet compliance
• Ability to analyze data and drive performance improvements
• Deep understanding of plant operations, safety systems, and quality processes
• Ability to walk and stand on the production floor for extended periods
• Combination of office and industrial plant environment
• Exposure to noise, chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
• May require extended hours, weekends, or on‑call availability

Impact: Play a key role in delivering innovative hoof‑care and dairy‑equipment solutions that directly improve herd health and producer profitability.

We offer a competitive base compensation range of $90,000 - $100,000 annually with a 10% target bonus. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans, vacation and sick time, and a generous 401k employer contribution.

Specialty Herd Solutions was founded after recognizing the challenges dairy farmers faced using bagged copper sulfate for hoof care, leading to the development of an easier‑to‑use, more effective liquid solution. This innovation became the foundation of the company, followed shortly by the installation of its first automated footbath system. Today, Specialty Herd Solutions supports over 30% of U.S. dairy cows as a leading provider of automated hoof care technology. Driven by a mission to modernize animal care, the company delivers sustainable, customized solutions through strong partnerships—offering straightforward, no‑hassle service with a focus on improving outcomes for cattle, farm employees, and dairy operations.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.