Plant Operations Leader — Food Manufacturing Excellence

MSI Express, INC; Portage (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Express is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily operations of a food manufacturing facility in Portage, Illinois. You will lead production, maintenance, QA, sanitation, safety and supply chain to meet quality, cost and delivery targets.

You will drive continuous improvement, develop a high-performing team, ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, FDA/USDA, and foster a safe, productive work environment aligned with corporate objectives.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• 5+ years in plant operations management, including oversight of production, quality, safety, and supply chain.
• Proven experience with HACCP, GMP, SQF, and FDA/USDA regulations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in high-speed, high-volume manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality assurance, sanitation, warehousing, and logistics.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety programs, conducting internal audits and leading external inspections as needed.
• Oversee daily production schedules, ensuring customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with customers, quality, procurement, and supply chain teams to support new product launches, reformulations, and special runs.
• Monitor KPIs (reliability, yield, downtime, complaints, waste) and implement action plans for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with procurement and planning to manage raw material inventory, minimize shortages or overstock, and optimize warehouse space.
• Ensure all sanitation and cleaning protocols are executed according to schedule and verified for compliance.
• Champion a proactive safety culture by conducting regular safety audits, training, and incident investigations.
• Develop and manage plant operating budgets, capital projects, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment through regular communication, performance reviews, and employee development.
• Lead crisis management efforts for food recalls, contamination risks, or emergency shutdowns.
• Report on plant performance to senior leadership and recommend operational strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Industrial Management, Business Administration

MBA or related field asset

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

MSI Express is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily operations of a food manufacturing facility in Portage, Illinois. You will lead production, maintenance, QA, sanitation, safety and supply chain to meet quality, cost and delivery targets.

You will drive continuous improvement, develop a high-performing team, ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, FDA/USDA, and foster a safe, productive work environment aligned with corporate objectives.