Plant Operations Leader - Food Manufacturing

GFF Career Page; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GFF is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the City of Industry facility, overseeing manufacturing, maintenance and facilities, and ensuring regulatory compliance and product quality. You will collaborate with QA/R&D, HR, Sales, and Finance to meet safety, quality and financial targets.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and mentor a leadership team while ensuring efficient production, safety and data integrity across systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a related field; MBA a plus.
• 7–10 years of operations management experience in food industry.
• 3–5 years in Plant Management or Production Manager roles in large company.
• 2–3 years overseeing Plant Maintenance & Engineering functions.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex, schedule-driven projects.
• Able to adapt quickly to changing demands and high-pressure situations.
• Experience in fast-paced plant operations with short shelf life products.
• Strong analytical skills with problem-solving and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent verbal, listening, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• English/Spanish bilingual is a big plus.
• Willingness to work various shifts, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement for productivity, quality, safety and customer service.
• Develop and manage budgets for labor, materials and overhead including capital expenditures.
• Monitor production to ensure procedures, specs and budgets are met.
• Set goals, metrics and feedback for ongoing improvements.
• Maintain workflow through planning and organized execution.
• Ensure profitability through cost control of expenses and yields.
• Oversee systems (ERP, payroll, training, evaluations) data accuracy.
• Develop hands-on understanding of dressings and condiments production.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

MS Office proficiency

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

B.A./B.S. in Business, Engineering, or Food Science; MBA a plus

Tools

Ross ERP

Job description

GFF is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the City of Industry facility, overseeing manufacturing, maintenance and facilities, and ensuring regulatory compliance and product quality. You will collaborate with QA/R&D, HR, Sales, and Finance to meet safety, quality and financial targets.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and mentor a leadership team while ensuring efficient production, safety and data integrity across systems.