Job Title: Plant Manager
DETAILS: Direct Hire
Location: Lowell, MA.– Onsite
Pay Range: $110,000 – $120,000/year
Hours: Full-Time, Exempt – Start time 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM (flexibility available)
Language Preference: Bilingual English & Spanish preferred
SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE:
The Plant Manager oversees daily operations, production performance, and team leadership at the facility level. This role ensures alignment with company goals in safety, compliance, production, cost control, and staff development. As a hands-on leader, the Plant Manager mentors frontline supervisors, drives operational excellence, and fosters a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and food safety.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring compliance with SOPs, food safety programs, and quality standards.
- Mentor department leaders and managers to build a culture of accountability and performance.
- Develop communication systems across all levels to align teams with company objectives.
- Identify training needs and facilitate development opportunities for staff.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, P&L performance, and customer service excellence.
- Develop and manage production plans, infrastructure, staffing, and cost controls.
- Conduct performance evaluations, reviews, and salary adjustments; establish team goals and KPIs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support business development, vendor relations, and operational improvements.
- Monitor job costs with the CFO and address cost overruns or delays.
- Track and adjust plant KPIs, labor utilization, and productivity metrics.
- Oversee logistics, routing, and delivery plans, resolving supply chain challenges.
- Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, OSHA, and internal policies.
- Create and enforce SOPs for receiving, storing, and packaging ingredients and finished goods.
- Manage audits, documentation, and partner requirements on time.
- Direct capital expenditures and manage equipment, labor, and resources.
- Lead accident investigations, enforce safety procedures, and reduce operational risks.
- Use data and analytics to improve decision-making, reduce costs, and drive efficiencies.
- Coach and discipline staff as necessary, maintaining accurate performance records.
COMPETENCIES:
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- In-depth knowledge of food manufacturing systems and regulatory compliance.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and decision-making ability.
- Skilled in managing cross-functional initiatives and operational improvements.
- Proficiency in ERP systems, Excel, analytics tools, and production tracking systems.
- High integrity in handling confidential and sensitive information.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods.
- Frequent use of hands for grasping and lifting materials.
- Ability to bend, climb, reach, and lift up to 30 lbs.
- Exposure to temperature changes, allergens, machinery noise, and production equipment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field required.
- Minimum 10 years of food manufacturing experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
- Experience in FDA/USDA monitored environments; SQF experience preferred.
- Proven success managing budgets, labor, KPIs, and capital projects.
- Track record of developing teams, improving operations, and achieving production goals.
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Top Prospect Group, now part of HW Staffing Solutions, specializes in connecting high-quality candidates with top-tier clients. We provide manufacturing and engineering staffing solutions across multiple industries, built on a people-first, mission-driven culture. This position is currently posted on multiple job sites.
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