Plant Manager - Food Manufacturing

WM B REILY & COMPANY INC; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 Paid Company Holidays

Generous Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision

Job summary

WM B REILY & COMPANY INC seeks a Senior Plant Manager for the Knoxville facility to lead all operations, drive production excellence, and develop a highly engaged workforce.

You will set direction for plant staff, align with corporate goals, and champion continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost. Strong leadership, GMP knowledge, and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations or related STEM field preferred.
• 10+ years of production experience in food/beverage manufacturing.
• 5+ years ofOperational leadership with ability to mentor high-performance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and drive all plant operational activities to achieve production excellence.
• Provide direction through goal setting, performance reviews, and Continuous Improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align with corporate goals and objectives.
• Champion improvements in Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost and Customer Service.
• Develop leadership across the site and drive KPI achievement.

Skills

Operational leadership

Leadership development

Continuous Improvement

Excellent communication

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations or related STEM field

Lean Six Sigma, PMP, TPM or other relevant certifications

Tools

MS Office Programs

Job description

Job Details

Level: Senior • Job Location: Knoxville Plant - Knoxville, TN 37919 • Position Type: Full Time • Job Category: Manufacturing

Reily Foods Company has a passion for flavor and has been providing iconic foods and beverages that create meals and memories for over 120 years! Our products consist of New England Coffee, French Market Coffee, Luzianne Iced Tea, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Swans Down Cake Flour, Tiger Sauce, and Carroll Shelby Chili (to name a few) and can be found in foodservice and retail locations around the country.

Responsibilities

• The Plant Manager is directly responsible for leading and driving all operational activities at the facility to ensure consistent levels of production excellence are achieved and sustained while developing a fully engaged and talented workforce.
• Provides clear direction and leadership to the plant staff through goal setting, performance and metric reviews, action planning and Continuous Improvement execution.
• Collaborates with all cross-functional groups within the organization to maintain a clear focus on the tactical and strategic plans of the facility and ensure that they are aligned with Corporate goals and objectives.
• Champions and drives continuous improvements in key areas, such as: Safety, Quality, Productivity, Cost, and Customer Service.
• Fosters a Safety First, Quality Always culture focused on operational excellence while developing direct reports.
• Develops a highly effective leadership team by applying high standards for selection, communicating and delegating key responsibilities, establishing clear vision and stretch goals, and actively utilizing all performance, development and career tools to their full potential.
• Improves upon the capabilities of all plant personnel and develops a highly motivated workforce.
• Leads facility to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and uses performance data to drive improvement and provide optimal production performance.
• Maintains KPI scorecard within the key plant areas and conducts KPI review meetings with the plant leadership team.
• Implements cost‑effective control systems over capital assets, operating expenditures, and labor costs.
• Continuously improves site processes and technologies, develops and executes upon a site capital plan, addressing both short‑term and long‑term opportunities.
• Controls and minimizes overtime labor costs, maintenance/repair costs, downtime and product re‑work.
• Identifies and eliminates potential sources of food safety risk and is responsible for delivering site environmental, health, & safety performance. Works to exceed expectations for all internal & external audits, i.e. BRC.
• Acts as liaison between plant personnel and corporate functions building solid relationships between these teams. Effectively communicates urgent issues both internal and external to VP of Operations and the site leadership team, as needed, and coordinates team member activities to address issues quickly and effectively.
• Identifies root causes of issues and adept at developing and implementing corrective actions to prevent repeat problems.
• Follows all safety procedures and participates in safety training, maintains safe and efficient use of equipment, tools, and personnel, and reports any injury, accident or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisory member.
• Supports and complies with GMP’s, understands and follows emergency action plan, supports food safety, quality and legality, and ensures the operation provides food‑safe, quality products which meet or exceed all product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations or related STEM field preferred
• 10+ years of production experience, preferably within a food and/or beverage manufacturing environment
• 5+ years of Operational leadership with a demonstrated ability to successfully build and mentor high performance teams
• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, TPM or other relevant certifications
• Operational Excellence mindset with success meeting production KPIs
• Solid understanding and enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions
• Knowledge of GFSI audit schemes, such as BRC and SQF
• Highly organized with ability to multi-task, recognize priority and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Positive attitude and a team player that promotes collaboration
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficient in MS Office Programs
• Willingness and ability to work any shift, if needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed

Benefits

• 10 Paid Company Holidays
• Generous Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Comprehensive, Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for you and your family
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and discretionary profit sharing
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and financial wellness resources
• Company‑Paid Disability
• Company‑Paid Life Insurance equal to 3× annual compensation
• And more benefits designed to support your health, wealth, and well‑being