Manager, Plant

ABOUT BAY STATE MILLING COMPANY:

Bay State Milling Company is a family-owned company with a strategic intent to support the growth of the next generation of grain-based foods in North America by providing the leading array of plant-based ingredients. Since 1899, we have proudly provided exceptional quality flour and grain products, and we continue to build on our legacy as we bring new supply chains and technologies into our realm of capabilities.  Our Core purpose is to provide food ingredients to promote the growth of healthful and affordable food choices for the consumer.

We recognize that the universe of grain-based foods is constantly changing and responding to consumers’ desire for variety, healthfulness, great taste and affordability in their food choices. We are not afraid of change; in fact, we believe that change cultivates opportunity. Our goal is to stay a step ahead of our customers’ needs, while always maintaining the trust they have placed in us for generations. We are committed to maintaining our Core Values of INTEGRITY, QUALITY, CREATIVITY, CARING, and COLLABORATION in pursuit of achieving this goal.

SUMMARY  

The Plant Manager is responsible for implementing manufacturing strategies to ensure that the facility supports the Company’s strategic initiatives. In addition, the Plant Manager is responsible for directing and developing the plant organization to ensure that employees are working safely, the operation produces quality products that meet customer expectations, financial targets are achieved, and a culture of continuous improvement is established.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Safety, Environmental & Compliance

• Lead a comprehensive safety program, ensuring adherence to OSHA regulations, industry best practices, and company policies.

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including stormwater management, air quality, and water usage.

• Improve housekeeping and sanitation programs to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.

• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations to drive continuous improvement.

Food Safety, Quality & Customer Service

• Ensure compliance with BRC (British Retail Consortium) audit standards, HACCP, GMP, and other food safety requirements.

• Maintain food safety and sanitation programs to meet industry and customer expectations.

• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to monitor production processes, address non-conformities, and improve quality performance.

• Drive a culture of customer service excellence, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment and customer satisfaction.

• Collaborate with customers and corporate teams to understand product specifications, quality standards, and continuous improvement opportunities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build a high-performance team by providing training, coaching, and development opportunities.

• Conduct performance reviews and implement career development plans for management and frontline employees.

• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and problem-solving at all levels of the organization.

Operational & Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.

• Create and execute a productivity roadmap that aligns with budgeted profit and efficiency goals.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, including 6S, Kaizen events, TPM, and lean manufacturing methodologies.

• Monitor and sign off on monthly inventory reconciliations to ensure accuracy and accountability.

Capital Planning & Maintenance Excellence

• Develop and oversee capital expenditure plans, ensuring proper investment in plant infrastructure and equipment.

• Write concise authorization requests for capital expenditures and track spending against approved budgets.

• Implement a preventive and predictive maintenance program to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.

Community & Corporate Engagement

• Represent the company in local government, business, and community associations to enhance corporate reputation.

• Collaborate with corporate departments to align plant operations with company-wide initiatives and customer requirements.

• Promote and enforce company values, ethics, and code of conduct to maintain a positive and professional workplace culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field (preferred).

• 5 years of experience in plant management, preferably in flour milling, food manufacturing, or grain processing.

• Expertise in BRC, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and environmental compliance.

• Demonstrated leadership in food safety, quality management, and customer service excellence.

• Strong experience in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction strategies.

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.

• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills.
• Ability to set a clear vision, reinforce company values, and inspire teams to work toward shared goals

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Four-year college degree required, with emphasis on engineering a plus. Experience with a formal continuous improvement process.

• Experience with ERP systems for production and inventory management.

• Knowledge of maintenance best practices and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) programs.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.

• Strong analytical and project management skills.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/CHARACTERISTICS

 Hands on leader who leads by example and listens well. Ensures that the appropriate individuals are informed about matters impacting their areas of responsibility; works well with others; shares knowledge and experience with others; demonstrates respect and consideration for others’ opinions; contributes to the overall task of the team. Demonstrates integrity; works effectively in teams; facilitates inter-departmental cooperation; cooperates with peers to accomplish work assignments; helps create and maintain effective working relationships.

Above all, possesses a solid, stable character and demeanor and demonstrates the highest ethical standards. Other important traits and characteristics:

• Self-Motivated & Results-Oriented: Demonstrates strong personal initiative, proactively takes action, and remains focused on achieving results.

• Confident & Influential Presence: Projects confidence, communicates effectively, and advocates for ideas while remaining open to diverse perspectives.

• Innovative & Forward-Thinking: Continuously seeks opportunities for improvement, embraces innovation, and maintains a future-oriented mindset.

• Credible & Transparent: Communicates with honesty and clarity, building trust and credibility within the organization.

• Sense of Urgency & Decisiveness: Effectively conveys the importance of key initiatives and drives timely decision-making.

• Strong Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution Skills: Approaches challenges with analytical thinking, remains composed in conflict situations, and seeks constructive resolutions.

• Analytical & Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex situations and derive meaningful insights.

• Organized & Methodical: Maintains a structured and orderly approach to work, effectively managing multiple priorities.

• Supportive & Patient Leader: Provides guidance and mentorship, helping others understand operational concepts and analytical processes.

• Independent & Strategic Thinker: Capable of setting priorities, making informed decisions, and working autonomously when necessary.

• Energetic & Positive Attitude: Brings a high level of enthusiasm, a solutions-focused mindset, and a resilient, can-do approach to challenges.  

SAFETY

While performing the essential job functions, the employee is expected to work in a safe manner and follow company policies regarding safety.  It is the expectation and responsibility of the employee to report any and all injuries immediately to the supervisor, and to report any safety situation that the employee feels is substandard and poses a risk for employee injury, property damage or loss. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.
• Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, climb or balance, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment is essentially in a plant manufacturing facility, containing various amounts of dust in the atmosphere, related to the cleaning and milling of wheat.
• Frequent contact with operational aspects of the plant site, plant-operating personnel, and lab and office employees is essential.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, and outdoor temperature, which will reach in excess of 100 degrees F.
• The noise level in the work environment will be in excess of 100 dB. Hearing protection is required in certain areas of the plant.

FOOD SAFETY / SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

The Company is committed to producing and delivering defect-free products.  To ensure this, all employees are required to be trained on and adhere to the Good Manufacturing Policies set forth by the Company as they pertain to personnel practices, equipment, and facilities.  It is also vital that all employees be aware of the work environment and when possible, prevent accidental or intentional adulteration of products produced at this facility.  As a result any employee has a right to put product on hold if they have a concern.  At the plant level, only the Quality Assurance Manager and General Manager have the authority to release product on hold.