Plant Manager - Food Manufacturing

Reily Foods Company; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10 Paid Company Holidays

Generous Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

401(k) Retirement Plan with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Reily Foods Company is seeking a Plant Manager in Knoxville, TN to lead all operational activities at our facility. The role requires a commitment to safety and quality while fostering a high-performing team. The Plant Manager will focus on achieving key production excellence goals through mentorship and motivation.

With over 10 years of production experience and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, the ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance with GMP standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of production experience in food/beverage manufacturing preferred.
• 5+ years of operational leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of GMP and food safety.
• Proficient communication skills for collaboration and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational activities to achieve production excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Manage KPI scorecards and conduct performance reviews.
• Implement cost-effective controls and eliminate food safety risks.

Skills

Production experience

Operational leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related STEM field

Tools

MS Office Programs

Job description

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 include New England Coffee, French Market Coffee, Luzianne Iced Tea, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Swans Down Cake Flour, Tiger Sauce, and Carroll Shelby Chili, and can be found in foodservice and retail locations around the country.

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. In this role, the Plant Manager will provide clear direction and leadership to the plant staff through goal setting, performance and metric reviews, action planning and continuous improvement execution. Collaborating with all cross-functional groups within the organization, this role must 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. 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. Responsible for delivering site environmental, health, and safety performance. Works to exceed expectations for all internal and external audits, e.g. 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. Identifies issues quickly, develops action plans and coordinates team member activities so that these issues are communicated upward and dealt with 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. Reports any injury or accident or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisory member.
• Supports and complies with GMPs. Understands and follows emergency action plan.
• Supports food safety, quality and legality.
• Ensures the operation is providing food-safe, quality products which meet or exceed all product specifications and regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

We offer a comprehensive and thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports the well-being, financial security, and work-life balance of our employees.

• 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

Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to caring for our employees both inside and outside the workplace.

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