Job Description
We’re seeking an experienced, operationally strong Plant Manager to lead a high-growth beverage canning facility generating approximately $40 M in annual revenue. The ideal leader is both strategic and hands-on, with a deep understanding of beverage and/or nutraceutical production, quality systems, and continuous improvement. This role will play a key part in driving operational excellence, scaling production capacity, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and performance.
As Plant Manager, you will be responsible for full site operational oversight across multiple facilities — including production planning, safety, quality, maintenance, supply chain coordination, and people leadership. You will ensure that production goals are met on time, within budget, and in compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements. This role demands a proactive problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about operational efficiency and team development.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Drive end-to-end plant operations including bottling, packaging, warehouse, and logistics functions
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet customer and company demand
- Lead cross-functional collaboration between Quality, Engineering/Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Sales
- Implement metrics and performance tracking (OEE, throughput, yield, cost variance) to support data-driven decision making
Safety, Regulatory & Compliance
- Champion a culture of safety and compliance; ensure adherence to OSHA and industry best practices
- Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory standards (e.g., FDA food safety and dietary supplement regulations) and customer audit requirements
- Partner with Quality to ensure effective GMP compliance and corrective action closure
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with Quality and R&D teams to integrate quality at every step of manufacturing
- Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and improve flow
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions for production issues and deviations
People Leadership & Development
- Hire, coach, and develop plant supervisors, team leads, and frontline staff
- Build a performance-oriented culture with clear goals, accountability structures, and recognition programs
- Ensure effective communications, safety training, and change management across all shifts
Financial & Business Results
- Manage plant budgets including labor, materials, utilities, and capital projects
- Align capital investment priorities with business growth plans and production needs
- Identify opportunities to reduce cost, enhance throughput, and support revenue growth
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, Business, or related field; MBA or advanced certification a plus
- 8+ years’ progressive manufacturing leadership experience; experience with beverage, food, or nutraceutical production strongly preferred
- Proven ability to lead complex operations and multi-shift teams in a regulated environment
- Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement methodologies, and supply chain fundamentals
- Excellent communicator with the ability to influence at all levels and drive cross-functional alignment
- Hands-on leader with a track record of executing goals while developing people and fostering accountability