Senior Manager, Plant Operations

WK Kellogg Co; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 164,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Incentive Plan bonus eligibility

Health, dental and vision insurance

Savings and Investment Plan with 401(k

Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays

Life Insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee recognition program

Job summary

WK Kellogg Co is seeking a Senior Manager, Plant Operations to lead strategic and operational direction for a large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing operation. The role centers on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development, empowering managers and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

You will drive budgeting, planning, and lean deployment, build high-performing teams, and collaborate across functions to optimize plant performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Proven success in leading large teams and managing multiple production lines.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement systems.
• Experience in union environments preferred.
• Experience with budget creation and performance management.
• Experience working within a 24/7 manufacturing environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Set direction and priorities for assigned business units, ensuring alignment with plant goals and corporate strategy.
• Team Development: Lead, coach, and develop Operations Managers and Supervisors to build high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure consistent execution of production plans and consistently deliver strong results across KPIs including safety, quality, food safety, cost, and service.
• Innovation & Project Execution: Lead the execution of innovation and projects entering the plant with cross-functional alignment and successful implementation.
• Budgeting & Planning: Own the business planning and budgeting process for assigned units, including cost containment and resource allocation.
• Lean & CI Deployment: Champion and sustain lean manufacturing principles and KIWS across all units.
• Culture & Engagement: Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement with continuous learning and recognition.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure compliance with safety, food safety, sanitation, and labor standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with support functions and external stakeholders to optimize performance and resolve challenges.

Skills

Leadership experience

Lean manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Union experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this since Kellogg Company was founded more than 120 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

The most compelling leadership opportunities aren’t always about stepping into something already built. Sometimes they’re about helping shape what comes next.

The Senior Manager, Plant Operations leads the strategic and operational direction of multiple business units within a high-performing, large-scale, 24/7 manufacturing operation, and line-centric manufacturing platform.

This role drives excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development by empowering Operations Managers, Supervisors, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

You won’t simply inherit an operation. You’ll have the opportunity to help build what comes next.

Working Relationships Include

• Reports to: Plant Director
• Supervises: Operations Managers and Supervisors
• Peer Relationships: KSUM, Quality Manager, Sr. RM Manager, HR Manager, EHS Manager, E& F Manager, KIWS Coach
• Key Contacts: Internal – Plant Leadership Team, Corporate Operations, Engineering, KIWS, HR; External – Vendors, Contractors, and Corporate Support Functions

Here’s What You Will Be Doing

• Strategic Leadership: Set direction and priorities for assigned business units, ensuring alignment with plant goals and corporate strategy.
• Team Development: Lead, coach, and develop Operations Managers and Supervisor to build high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure consistent execution of production plans and consistently deliver strong results across key plant KPIs, including safety, quality, food safety, cost, and service.
• Innovation & Project Execution: Lead the excellent execution of innovation and projects entering the plant, ensuring effective planning, cross-functional alignment, and successful implementation.
• Budgeting & Planning: Own the business planning and budgeting process for assigned units, including cost containment and resource allocation.
• Lean & CI Deployment: Champion and sustain lean manufacturing principles and WK Kellogg Integrated Work Systems (KIWS) across all units.
• Culture & Engagement: Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and engagement, promoting continuous learning and recognition.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure compliance with all regulatory and internal standards related to safety, food safety, sanitation, and labor relations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with support functions and external stakeholders to optimize performance and resolve complex challenges.

Work Environment

• This role is based within a 24/7 union manufacturing facility.
• Must be flexible to work any shift and travel up to 25%
• Regular presence on the production floor required
• Frequent interaction with internal teams and external partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing
• Proven success in leading large teams and managing multiple production lines
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead through others and build effective teams
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision‑making skills
• Experience in union environments preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP
• Experience with budget creation and performance management
• Experience working within a 24/7 manufacturing environment is preferred

Salary Range:

$164,160 - $205,200

Salary pay ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and local market conditions.

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially.

Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

• Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
• Paid Time Off (includes paid sick time)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
• Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
• Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family, but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision‑making.

About Wk Kellogg Co

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi, Special K, Raisin Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, and Bear Naked. With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit www.wkkellogg.com.

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email [e-mail].

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For US Applicants

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow this link.

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment