Plant Manager - Milwaukee

Institut Rosell-Lallemand Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dynamic Plant Manager for their Milwaukee facility. This role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring high-quality bacterial product production, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology and bioprocessing, with a proven track record in leadership and operational excellence. You will play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards and optimizing processes while collaborating with various departments to achieve strategic goals. If you are passionate about innovation and quality in manufacturing, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience in Food/Feed/Pharma.
• Proven track record as Site or Deputy Site Manager with full responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of bacteria manufacturing, ensuring targets and budgets are met.
• Lead and develop teams, fostering a positive work environment.

Skills

Microbiology

Bioprocessing

Manufacturing Operations

Leadership

Quality Assurance

Process Optimization

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology

Master’s degree (preferred)

Degree in Biochemistry or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Manufacturing Software

Data Analysis Tools

Job description

The Plant Manager at our bacteria manufacturing facility in Milwaukee will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring efficient production of high-quality bacterial products. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in microbiology, bioprocessing, and manufacturing operations. The Plant Manager will play a critical role in maintaining safety standards, optimizing processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The strategic goals for the plant are defined with the Operations Director and the General Manager of the animal nutrition business unit.

KEY ROLES :

Leadership of Milwaukee Manufacturing Site:

• Provide effective leadership and management support to staff. Monitor and review the performance of key staff, especially Managers, and encourage development opportunities to maximize potential for the benefit of individuals and the company.
• Ensure production output aligns with sales orders and annual budget.
• Maintain site profitability through plant variance management.
• Optimize working capital via good stock management processes.
• Maintain team balance through recruitment and succession planning.
• Liaise with the Country Manager/Commercial Director and Financial Controller for smooth site operations.

Implementation of Strategic Goals:

• Work with the team to plan, produce, and promote effective products, ensuring capacity for current and future production.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet product regulatory requirements.
• Drive Operational Excellence to reduce cost per unit.
• Report KPIs to demonstrate success and liaise with R&D for adjustments.

Legislative Compliance and Reputation:

• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and statutory obligations.
• Take responsibility for health and safety practices and working environment.
• Manage resources to minimize environmental impact and conform to duty of care requirements.
• Oversee HR activities, ensuring legislative compliance and maintenance of internal systems.
• Engage with local authorities and community organizations to promote the company's image.

Technical Support:

• Ensure manufacturing processes (fermentation, drying, packaging, logistics) follow technical best practices.
• Provide technical guidance for engineering projects, lead production and development strategies, and evaluate new technologies.
• Assess new products for manufacturability at required costs.
• Investigate adverse events and facilitate quality system implementation.

Communications:

• Provide timely and relevant information to staff, shareholders, and group stakeholders.

Supply Chain and Customer Service:

• Manage planning, raw material procurement, manufacturing, and logistics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of bacteria manufacturing, ensure targets, develop policies, monitor KPIs, and manage budgets and costs.
2. Leadership and Team Development: Lead and develop teams, foster a positive environment, conduct reviews, and facilitate training.
3. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensure processes meet regulations and standards, oversee quality control, and conduct audits.
4. Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements, utilize lean principles, and stay industry-current.
5. Health, Safety, and Environmental Management: Promote safety culture, conduct risk assessments, maintain equipment, and develop emergency plans.

Technical Skills

Required:

• In-depth microbiology, bioprocessing, and manufacturing knowledge.
• Proven track record as Site or Deputy Site Manager with full responsibilities.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and systems.
• Proficiency in manufacturing software and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related; Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in Food/Feed/Pharma industries.
• Knowledge of microbiology, fermentation, and bioprocessing techniques.
• Leadership and safety management experience preferred.

Personal Abilities

Required:

• Leadership and motivation skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to quality and compliance.
• Innovation and process improvement ability.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Approach safety as a core value.

General Criteria

Required:

• Flexibility to work off-shift and travel as needed.

Organization

Lallemand is a Canadian company with a long history, employing over 5,000 people across 45 countries. Lallemand Animal Nutrition develops microbial solutions for animal health and performance, serving various livestock markets worldwide.

Note: Accommodations will be provided during the hiring process. Applicants should disclose needs in advance.