Plant Operations Manager
Job Description
A manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across a multi-department production facility. This position is responsible for driving performance in safety, quality, productivity, cost management, regulatory compliance, and workforce development while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. The Plant Operations Manager partners with senior leadership to execute business objectives and develop high-performing teams that support long-term organizational success.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to production leaders, supervisors, and support teams.
- Develop succession planning, workforce development, and talent acquisition strategies to strengthen leadership capabilities.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and employee engagement.
- Drive performance management initiatives that improve retention, productivity, and professional growth.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Establish and maintain a proactive safety culture throughout the facility.
- Ensure compliance with workplace safety, food safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Lead safety programs, audits, investigations, and corrective action initiatives to reduce operational risk.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Oversee food safety and quality management systems, ensuring adherence to HACCP, GMP, sanitation, and internal operating standards.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives focused on process optimization, waste reduction, and product quality enhancement.
- Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve operational efficiency and performance.
Environmental Stewardship
- Ensure facility compliance with environmental regulations related to waste management, air quality, water systems, and hazardous materials.
- Support sustainability initiatives and implement programs that align with organizational environmental objectives.
Manufacturing Operations
- Direct daily manufacturing activities to achieve production schedules, customer requirements, and quality expectations.
- Optimize labor, equipment, materials, and other resources to maximize efficiency and control operating costs.
- Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
Performance Management & Communication
- Monitor and report key operational metrics related to production, quality, safety, and financial performance.
- Analyze performance indicators to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
- Facilitate communication between plant leadership and executive management while promoting cross-functional collaboration.
Success Measures
- Achievement of production, quality, safety, and financial objectives.
- Reduction in workplace incidents and improvement in audit performance.
- Increased employee engagement, retention, and leadership development.
- Successful implementation of operational improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Consistent compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent with 5–7 years of manufacturing experience, including 4–6 years in a leadership role; or
- Associate or bachelor's degree with 3–5 years of manufacturing experience and 4–6 years of supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, and ERP systems.
- Excellent strategic planning, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication and leadership abilities with experience managing multiple functional areas.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and operational data analysis.
Additional Information
Email: cpaisley@irgsolution.com
Subject: Plant Operations Manager- Beaver Dam, KY