Senior Plant Manager - Co-Manufacturing Operations

Maker's Pride; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Maker's Pride in Illinois seeks a seasoned Plant Manager to oversee co-manufacturing operations. You will lead production, quality, safety, and maintenance, ensuring targets are met while upholding high standards.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, ERP experience, and Lean/Six Sigma proficiency; you will manage budgets, mentor a diverse team, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years in a managerial role within a co-manufacturing or food production environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of driving operational excellence and achieving business objectives.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other relevant certifications is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, and quality control, to achieve production targets and quality standards.
• Supervise and mentor a team of managers, supervisors, technicians, and support staff, fostering a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement production schedules and resource allocation plans to optimize efficiency and meet customer demand while minimizing costs.
• Ensure adherence to quality assurance protocols and regulatory requirements, implementing corrective actions as needed to address non-conformities and improve processes.
• Maintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety policies and procedures, conducting regular safety audits, and promoting a culture of safety awareness among employees.
• Manage plant budget and expenses effectively, identifying opportunities for cost savings and implementing measures to improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers and co-manufacturing partners to ensure timely delivery of materials and finished goods, and build strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and preferences.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, such as Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies, to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall plant performance.
• Prepare regular reports on plant performance, including production metrics, quality metrics, and financial KPIs, and provide analysis and recommendations for improvement to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Team development

Data-driven decision making

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Maker's Pride in Illinois seeks a seasoned Plant Manager to oversee co-manufacturing operations. You will lead production, quality, safety, and maintenance, ensuring targets are met while upholding high standards.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, ERP experience, and Lean/Six Sigma proficiency; you will manage budgets, mentor a diverse team, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.