Plant Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under strategic direction of the VP of VA Operations, this position manages value added fresh vegetable plant facility in all areas such as production planning, sanitation, supply chain, maintenance, safety, budgeting, personnel planning, cost reporting and financial analysis, productivity and quality improvement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS/DUTIES OF THE POSITION:

* Establish the leadership and set the strategic and tactical direction for the Springfield team. Inherent in this are the establishment of the Plant's mission and the nurturing of a culture that achieves the Plant's goals and the development of plant personnel and the leadership team.
* Responsible for the most efficient allocation of resources in the production and warehousing of product in a highly competitive market, producing the highest quality product at the lowest possible cost.
* Foster a positive culture while acting as a change agent.
* Establish lean concepts throughout the manufacturing chain.
* Provide excellent service to the customer by ensuring product availability to meet demand.
* Develop and implement strategic operating plans; both near in tactical and long term.
* Plans, evaluates and recommends overall strategies for operations in order to meet company goals and objectives.
* Monitor key plant metrics on periodic basis and manage plant resources to achieve company goals, to include financial accountability for all Plant operations.
* Direct and coordinate the activities of the production, maintenance, sanitation, and supply chain management functions, with overall responsibility for 700 hourly and 50 professional employees.
* Dotted line responsibility to manage Quality Assurance and Finance Managers.
* Support plant employee safety program to maintain safe working conditions and to deliver safety targets.
* Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal regulations and standards.
* Ensure that the plant is compliant with all Food Safety requirements and successfully protects our customers/consumers.
* Responsible for developing and implementing the plant operating budget. Provide monthly forecasts of operating performance. Analyze and forecast plant capital needs.
* Key contact position at plant for policies, strategic initiatives, and issue resolution.
* Follow all Food Safety Requirements and GMPs as applicable to position
* Ensure the integrity and continued operation of the food safety system in the event of organizational or personnel changes within the company or associated facilities
* Support special projects and other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

* 7-10 years' experience in Operations Management with a major food processing/packaging company, preferably with fresh food products and sub 40 degree working environment.
* Supervisory experience required.
* Experience on Continuous Improvement/ Lean Manufacturing desired.
* Excellent oral and written communications skills, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage, motivate, and train people.
* Knowledge of manufacturing safety programs, quality assurance and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
* Must have knowledge of applicable safety and quality regulations.
* Financial and accounting background desirable.
* Ability to manage a diverse work force.
* Strong knowledge of food plant operations in terms of both productivity and cost drivers.
* Must have excellent computer skills including Excel & Word.
* Bilingual in both Spanish and English is preferred.
* Must have the ability to make decisions, maintain regular and acceptable attendance, follow directions, interact well with co-workers, understand and follow posted work rules/procedures and to accept constructive criticism.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Ability to maneuver around an array of equipment, bend, stoop, climb stairs, and lift 40 pounds.
* Must have the ability to sit and/or stand and walk for long periods of time.
* Will have some exposure to fumes and airborne particles.
* Able to occasionally work in a cold environment (35 degrees F on Plant floor).

WORK HOUR & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

* Flexibility to work both a variety of shifts and hours required.
* Ability to work beyond "regular" business hours, nights and weekends for business needs.
* Travel up to 20%

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

* Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering or related field required

PAY RATE:

• $175,000 - $185,000 Annually

EEO STATEMENT: We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.