What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager position at Wipfli - Human Resource Consulting?
Location:
Marissa, IL
Posted:
4/1/2025
We are assisting our client, SUL4R-PLUS (S4 ) with the recruitment and selection of a Plant Manager.
Established in 2013, SUL4R-PLUS (S4 ) is one of the leading fertilizer manufacturers servicing the agricultural industry with a proven, patented Calcium Sulfate nutrient. SUL4R-PLUS recently completed construction on their newest manufacturing plant in Marissa, Illinois. Their original manufacturing plant is located in southern Louisville, and combined with the new Marissa location, S4 will become one of the largest suppliers of secondary nutrients in North America.
The Plant Manager will report to the COO and is responsible for overseeing and managing daily operations of the facility, including planning, organizing, directing, and running optimum day-to-day operations that exceed our customers’ expectations. The Plant Manager is responsible for ensuring efficient production operation, maintaining high product quality, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
This position is in-person and is located in Marissa, IL.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning & Management
- Plan, organize, direct, and run optimum day-to-day operations to exceed our customers’ expectations.
- Allocate resources effectively to maximize productivity and minimize costs. This includes managing inventory, equipment, and personnel to ensure optimal use of resources.
- Develop and implement long-term strategies to improve plant performance and achieve business objectives. This involves setting goals, creating action plans, and monitoring progress to ensure targets are met.
- Work with the Director of Human Resources to develop and implement plant policies and procedures aligned with company goals.
- Foster relationships with suppliers and customers to support business growth.
- Stay informed about the latest production management best practices and concepts to ensure the plant operates efficiently and effectively.
- Other duties as assigned.
Quality Control
- Establish and enforce quality standards and procedures.
- Oversee regular inspections and audits to ensure products meet the required specifications.
- Work with the Production Manager to address and resolve quality issues promptly.
Health Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Commit to and enforce plant safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment. Ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and standards.
- Oversee regular safety audits and risk assessments.
- Implement and enforce safety protocols and prevent accidents and incidents.
Budget Management
- Develop and manage the plant budget.
- Monitor expenses and identify cost savings opportunities.
- Report on financial performance including production metrics to senior management.
- Collaborate with corporate management on budgets, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Team Leadership & Development
- Foster a trusting relationship with the work group, recruit, supervise, and develop plant staff to build a strong team, including hiring, training, and evaluating staff.
- Build a positive and productive work environment, encouraging teamwork and continuous improvement.
- Implement training and programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
Key Qualifications and Skills:
- Strong understanding of industry standard equipment and technical expertise, which aids in assessing and upgrading the plant equipment when necessary.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure that the plant runs efficiently and to quickly resolve any operational issues that may arise.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, inform and instruct plant staff, and report to upper management.
- Strong understanding of the financial implications of decisions and drive the plant’s financial performance.
- Project management skills to oversee plant projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Ability to enforce and maintain high standards of safety and follow all safety rules and regulations to create a safe and healthy working environment.
- Knowledge of quality management systems and regulatory standards to ensure product quality and compliance.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in business management, engineering, or equivalent work experience preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a plant management or operations leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of business and management principles (budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resources).
- Familiarity with industry-standard equipment and technical expertise.
- Knowledgeable of safety, quality, productivity, inventory, and stewardship processes.
- Ability to create accountability and lead by example.
- Strong team building, decision-making, and people management skills.
- Exhibit high proficiency all Microsoft Office suite applications. (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project).
Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position including, but not be limited to the following:
- Office and Plant environment – use of office equipment including computer and telephone for communication to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates.
- Sit, walk and/or stand for 8 hours a day. Must be able to bend, stoop, reach and balance occasionally.
- Be exposed to hazardous situations including but not limited to fumes, airborne particles, and risk of electrical shock, and various weather conditions.
- This position requires a flexible work schedule; night and/or weekends may be required.
This position has a generous salary range at $150,000-$170,000 and offers the following benefits:
- Paid Vacation
- 9 Paid Holidays per year
- Health, vision, & dental insurance
- 401(K)
- Company-paid short and long-term disability
- Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please submit your resume to our client application portal.
SUL4R-PLUS (S4 ) is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary : $150,000 - $170,000
