Plant Operations Manager

Dana Kowen Associates - Executive Search to the Manufacturing Industry; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Strong bonus

9% 401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Dana Kowen Associates - Executive Search to the Manufacturing Industry is seeking a hands-on Plant Operations Manager for a flagship facility in the Food/Beverage/Pharma/CPG sector. This fast-paced role offers a clear, accelerated path to Plant Manager and a strong relocation package.

You will lead 150–300 employees, drive operational excellence, and collaborate across HR, Maintenance, QA and CI to meet production targets.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, or CPG manufacturing.
• 7+ years in operations or plant leadership roles.
• Experience in medium-to-large facilities (400+ employees).
• Strong background in Continuous Improvement.
• Union experience is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Passion for developing talent and driving engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily production and planning within a large manufacturing facility.
• Drive operational excellence by implementing standard work and leading change management initiatives.
• Lead a 150–300 person team with two direct reports and develop talent.
• Collaborate with HR, Maintenance, Quality, and CI teams to meet production targets.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Operations Management

Team Development

Cross-functional Collaboration

Job description

Base pay range

$120,000.00/yr - $155,000.00/yr

Plant Operations Manager (Food/Beverage/Pharma/CPG)

Fast-Track Opportunity to Plant Manager!

A respected market leader in the Food and Beverage industry is seeking a hands-on, results-driven Plant Operations Manager to join its flagship manufacturing facility. This highly visible role is a clear and accelerated path to Plant Manager for a high-performing leader.

About the Role

As Plant Operations Manager, you will oversee daily production and planning within a large, fast-paced manufacturing facility that supports up to 1,000 employees. Directly managing a team of 150–300, with two direct reports, you’ll be responsible for driving performance, efficiency, and team engagement. This is a key leadership position with strong cross-functional visibility and influence across the site leadership team.

You’ll drive operational excellence by:

• Implementing standard work and leading change management initiatives
• Sustaining continuous improvement through disciplined execution and autonomous maintenance
• Engaging and developing employees to foster a high-performance culture
• Collaborating with HR, Maintenance, Quality, and CI teams to meet production targets

What Sets This Role Apart

• Fast-track promotion potential to Plant Manager
• Work at a flagship facility within a well-established, high-performance organization
• Be part of a company known for respect, recognition, and internal promotion
• Enjoy a full relocation package, strong bonus, 9% 401(k) match, and tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, or CPG manufacturing.
• 7+ years in operations or plant leadership roles.
• Experience in medium-to-large facilities (400+ employees).
• Strong background in Continuous Improvement.
• Union experience is highly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Passion for developing talent and driving engagement.

Seniority level

• Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionManagement
• IndustriesFood and Beverage Manufacturing and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance