Plant Manager - Pouch

Neil Jones Food; Firebaugh (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Pouch Plant Manager to lead operations at their Firebaugh facility. This role involves overseeing pouch manufacturing, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and managing a team to enhance productivity. With a focus on budget management and process improvement, you will play a crucial part in achieving operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in plant management within the food processing sector, particularly with tomato or fruit products. If you're passionate about leading teams and optimizing production processes, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a thriving company.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage

401(k) match

Company paid Life and AD&D insurance

10 paid vacation days

9 paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Free parking

Qualifications

• 12+ years of plant management experience in food processing, especially tomatoes or fruits.
• Proficient in budget management and cost-reduction strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of pouch production lines ensuring quality and efficiency.
• Develop and manage production schedules to meet customer demands.

Skills

Leadership

Budget Management

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, manufacturing, production, or related field

Tools

Production Scheduling Software

Budgeting Tools

Job description

The Neil Jones Food Company is an industry leader, processing superior quality fresh-packed, vine-ripened California tomatoes and Pacific Northwest fruit. Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, NJFC has been providing our nation’s discerning foodservice, retail, industrial and institutional customers with the finest quality canned and pouched products for over 50 years. NJFC operates three production facilities: Northwest Packing in Vancouver, WA.; San Benito Foods, in Hollister, CA; and Toma-Tek in Firebaugh, CA.

We are looking for a Pouch Plant Manager to oversee and manage the day-to-day plant operations related to pouch manufacturing functions including manufacturing, quality assurance, sanitation, maintenance, and warehousing. This leader will be responsible for establishing metrics, improving processes, and providing direct management to obtain and maintain operating excellence while maintaining a low-cost commodity focused operating structure. Previous experience managing a plant operation with volume of at least 5 million units or 100 million tons annually required. Represent TomaTek within the local community. Ensure compliance with all standards, policies, and regulations for the safe and efficient production of quality products at our TomaTek plant in Firebaugh, CA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily operations of all tomato pouch production lines – pouch manufacturing, pouch packaging, pouch warehousing operations, and pouch put-away program ensuring production runs meet production and delivery schedules within quality standards. Monitor production processes to maximize production, profitability, and quality standards.
• Develop, implement, and adjust production schedules to meet customer demands while maximizing tomato varieties and resource utilization.
• Supervise staff, including hiring, training, performance management; oversee setting daily work schedules, and providing guidance. Includes staff and self-development, as well as coaching, counseling on performance feedback, up to initiating and addressing corrective action.
• Along with the Vice President of California Operations, communicate and implement pouch facility plant goals, operating and capital plans so that equipment, site, and facilities are in appropriate working condition to achieve financial and operating results that meet and exceed goals.
• Develop and manage the pouch plant budget, ensuring financial target achievement. Analyze production costs and implement strategies to enhance profitability and reduce waste. Responsible for achieving forecasted financial/cost performance targets and daily operating metrics.
• Manage relationships with film suppliers, parts, materials, and negotiate contracts annually (with corporate purchasing assistance) to ensure cost integrity. Contribute to the process of managing capital projects and cost reduction processes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, manufacturing, production, or related field.
• Previous experience managing an aseptic plant operation with volume of at least 5 million units or 100 million tons annually.
• 12+ years of proven experience in plant management within the food processing industry, tomato, fruit, and/or vegetable experience preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and people skills. Results-oriented.
• Proficient in budget management (zero-based budget philosophy) and cost-reduction strategies.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test, background check including employment and educational verification, credit screen, and to work extended schedule and weekends during the fresh pack season, typically July to early October.

Compensation:

The salary range is $190,000 - $210,000, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision coverage
• 401(k) match with Traditional & Roth options available
• Company paid Life and AD&D insurance
• 10 paid vacation days, 9 paid holidays, and separate sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Numerous other voluntary insurance products available
• Free parking

We are an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, and other protected status under applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.