We are working with a large food manufacturer in Minneapolis, MN seeking a Plant Manager. This person is responsible for the overall operations of the food processing facility, ensuring efficient production, quality control, and adherence to food safety regulations. This role requires a combination of leadership, technical expertise, and strategic thinking to drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
Responsibilities
Operational Management:
- Oversees daily plant operations, including production scheduling, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
- Monitors and analyzes production performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Ensures optimal utilization of resources (labor, equipment, materials) to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
Quality Assurance and Food Safety:
- Implements and maintains rigorous quality control systems to ensure product compliance with food safety standards and customer specifications.
- Conducts regular quality audits and inspections to identify and address potential issues.
- Manages food safety programs, including HACCP, allergen control, and sanitation procedures.
- Ensures compliance with all relevant food safety regulations, industry standards, and certifications (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF).
Team Leadership and Development:
- Builds and leads a high-performing team of production, quality, and maintenance personnel.
- Provides coaching, mentoring, and training to develop employee skills and capabilities.
- Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Process Improvement:
- Identifies opportunities for process improvement and implements lean manufacturing principles to optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
- Collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Customer Focus:
- Builds strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and expectations.
- Ensures timely and accurate order fulfillment while maintaining high product quality.
- Addresses customer complaints and issues promptly and effectively.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Stays informed about food safety regulations and industry best practices.
- Ensures compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations.
- Manages relationships with regulatory agencies.
Budgeting and Financial Management:
- Develops and manages the plant's annual budget.
- Monitors and controls expenses to achieve profitability goals.
- Identifies cost-saving opportunities and implements cost-reduction measures.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in food manufacturing, with a proven track record of managing plant operations.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control systems.
- Proficiency in production planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
- Experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Strong organizational and time management skills