Plant Operations Leader: Lean, Quality & Safety

The Judge Group; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement in San Francisco, CA is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality control, and safety. The role requires strategic leadership to align operations with business goals and regulatory requirements.

You will lead manufacturing processes, drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and develop a unionized workforce while maintaining high safety standards and compliance with food safety regulations.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years experience in manufacturing with progressive responsibilities.
• 3+ years implementing Lean Manufacturing.
• Strong leadership with experience directing a diverse unionized workforce.
• Financial/budget management experience.
• Capital project development, cost estimation, and management skills.
• Proven negotiation, management, interpersonal, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Managing for Results/ Development skills.
• Production Engineering knowledge.
• Ability to interface with regulatory agencies.
• Exceptional verbal/written communication.
• Ability to manage and develop employees.
• MS Office proficiency (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to plant operations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and long-term business goals.
• Lead and optimize manufacturing and operational processes to maximize efficiency, productivity, and overall performance.
• Build and promote a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture that drives employee engagement and operational excellence.
• Ensure product quality and operational standards are consistently met through adherence to regulatory requirements and internal specifications.
• Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and process effectiveness.
• Direct and manage the effective utilization of personnel, equipment, materials, and other resources to meet production objectives.
• Champion a culture of safety by enforcing workplace safety policies, conducting regular audits, and driving proactive risk-reduction efforts.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety regulations, industry standards, and audit requirements, serving as the primary point of contact during inspections.
• Oversee plant financial performance by managing budgets, controlling costs, and balancing operational needs with business objectives.
• Establish, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, identify opportunities, and drive continuous operational improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Lean manufacturing

Negotiation

Team building

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Regulatory interface

Production engineering

MS Office

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Judge Direct Placement in San Francisco, CA is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality control, and safety. The role requires strategic leadership to align operations with business goals and regulatory requirements.

You will lead manufacturing processes, drive continuous improvement, manage budgets, and develop a unionized workforce while maintaining high safety standards and compliance with food safety regulations.