Plant Manager

SUMMARY

Northline Seafoods is seeking an experienced and proactive Plant Manager to assist in the development, construction, and operation of our new fish processing facility, as well as manage and implement daily operations once complete. The facility is currently in the equipment build-out phase, with the building and infrastructure partially in place. The Plant Manager will initially play a critical role in overseeing wastewater and stormwater permitting processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and acting as an on-site project leader for construction, in collaboration with our engineering and leadership team. Once functional, the Plant Manager will oversee on-site processing operations, working closely with the Barge Manager and Director of Supply Chain. This position requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a background in food processing, facility management, or industrial operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

FACILITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

• Assist in the planning and execution of the build-out of processing equipment for our new H&G facility.
• Oversee the on-site construction of the facility, coordinating with contractors, vendors, and engineering teams and serve as the primary on-site point of contact.
• In collaboration with the leadership team, lead efforts to obtain and comply with all environmental and operational permits, maintaining accurate documentation for compliance.
• Monitor efficiency, productivity, and sustainability while promoting a culture of workplace safety and continuous improvement.
• Provide regular progress reports to company leadership and project managers.

OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• In conjunction with the Barge Manager, develop and implement procedures for fish processing, waste management and safety protocols.
• Establish protocols for equipment maintenance, sanitation, and quality control.
• In collaboration with other departments, lead the hiring and training of key staff members, including production workers, supervisors, quality control personnel, and maintenance staff to ensure efficient operations with the facility is operational.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, OSHA standards and environmental guidelines through the implementation of safety programs and staff training initiatives.
• Working closely with the Barge Manager and Director of Supply Chain, develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each stage of the seafood processing operation, from receiving raw materials to shipping the finished product.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the daily operations of the plant, ensuring production targets are met.
• Under the guidance of the Barge Manager, coordinate personnel and logistics between the Hannah barge and the H&G facility.
• Work closely with the Director of Supply Chain to coordinate product logistics between plant and external vendors/customers.
• Track and manage production supplies and on-site materials needs.
• Conduct regular safety audits and train staff on the proper use of safety equipment and emergency protocols.
• Ensure the plant operates in an environmentally responsible manner, following waste disposal and water management regulations.
• Ensure that the plant complies with food safety regulations, industry standards, and quality assurance procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections of the plant, equipment, and products to maintain quality standards.
• Regularly review production metrics, worker performance, and product quality, using performance data to implement continuous improvements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Food Science, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a combination of education and experience.
• 5 years of progressive experience in plant management, industrial operations, or food processing.
• Experience with wastewater and stormwater permitting and environmental compliance.
• Strong leadership and project management skills with a background in capital project management and equipment installation.
• Knowledge and experience with HACCP, GMPs, BRC and other food safety standards.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, regulatory documents, and construction schedules.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software as well as ability to use Google applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.

This position operates primarily in a plant environment as well as on a barge docked in Bellingham, WA. This role routinely oversees the production facility while balancing the requirements of final product quality, environmental regulations, plant efficiency and product releases and overall inventory management. Additionally, this position will require knowledge of end-to-end cold chain distribution. Employees must be able stand, walk, twist, bend and generally navigate a wet and cold plant environment for long periods of time. Ability to lift 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.

DISCLAIMER

The above is not intended to list all possible essential functions or requirements as they are subject to change. The employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet the physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.

Northline Seafoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, veteran or disability status.