Plant Operations Leader - Food Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

HACO CULINARY; Manteno (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HACO CULINARY is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee manufacturing, maintenance and facilities functions, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong food safety and product quality. The role reports to the VP of Operations and leads the teams responsible for production, maintenance and capital projects at the City of Industry plant.

You will partner with QA/R&D, HR, Sales and Finance to hit budgets and improve productivity, quality and safety.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. from a four-year College or University in related field (Business, Engineering, Food Science; MBA Degree a plus)
• Minimum 7-10 years of operations management experience required in the food industry
• 3-5 years in a Plant Management role or as Production Manager in a large company environment
• 2-3 years direct experience overseeing Plant Maintenance & Engineering functions
• Solid background of managing complex, schedule-driven projects through leadership of cross-functional diverse teams
• Be able to respond quickly to changing demands and priority, and demonstrate adaptability in stressful situations
• Experience managing in a fast-paced plant operation in short shelf life product segment serving premier customers who hold high standards for service and quality
• Work independently to analyze processes, identify problems and deliver solutions

Responsibilities

• Lead the continuous improvement efforts for productivity, product quality, customer service and safety ensuring company goals are met by overseeing the manufacturing and facilities operations and personnel.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing, maintenance and facilities budgets for labor, material, and overhead including capital expenditures associated with the short and long-term strategies of the Company.
• Monitor all phases of production to ensure that all procedures, specifications standards and budgets are met by maintaining effective communication with all employees
• Develop and use goals, appropriate metrics and feedback mechanisms to monitor and lead continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain even flow of work by being organized and planning, adjusting and making changes as needed
• Ensure that financial objectives are met for budgetary control of all expenses including yield, labor, overtime, operating supplies and facilities expenses
• Ensure that all administrative systems (including Ross ERP, payroll, employee training, performance evaluations, etc.) are fully supported with accurate, timely and complete data entry
• Develop a hands-on, working understanding of the technologies and processes for making dressings and condiments
• Keep up to date and on the leading edge of technologies and innovations in the industry
• Identify, justify and implement new manufacturing technologies to enhance quality and drive down costs and support strategic direction for future product and process improvements within manufacturing
• Mentor and coach managers, supervisors and employees for success and encourage the leaders to mentor and develop all personnel.
• Oversee the leadership team by monitoring efficiencies, conducting reviews, counseling sessions, evaluations and by keeping up to date records
• Ensure proper processing of product by monitoring all operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, etc., as well as equipment, cleanliness and personnel
• Monitor and administer IFS and HACCP programs, insisting on accurate, complete and timely compliance
• Ensure profitability of processing department by working with R&D to formulate products for quality and least cost maintaining high yields and minimum waste
• Lead the plant safety initiative by insisting on a clean safe working environment, and that all employees are following prescribed safety procedures, including personal protective equipment.
• Working with the support of the Human Resources Manager, manage GFF's safety program ensuring compliance within OSHA regulations
• Challenges the whole team to find creative solutions to challenges by facilitating an environment which exhibits a can do attitude for innovation and meeting objectives
• Provide development/mentoring for team members by serving as a positive leadership role model

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Budgeting

Cross-functional teams

Food industry knowledge

Bi-lingual English/Spanish

Education

B.A./B.S. in related field

MBA

Tools

Ross ERP

MS Office

Job description

HACO CULINARY is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee manufacturing, maintenance and facilities functions, ensuring regulatory compliance and strong food safety and product quality. The role reports to the VP of Operations and leads the teams responsible for production, maintenance and capital projects at the City of Industry plant.

You will partner with QA/R&D, HR, Sales and Finance to hit budgets and improve productivity, quality and safety.