Plant Manager, Dayton, OH
Scope of Position
Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of our manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence across safety, quality, production, maintenance, supply chain, and environmental compliance.
The Plant Manager will develop and execute site-specific strategic plans to ensure production goals are achieved efficiently and cost-effectively, in alignment with company performance objectives. This leader will play a key role in building high-performing teams, improving processes, and delivering strong financial and operational results.
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead all aspects of plant operations, including production, packaging, maintenance, supply chain, purchasing, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Ensure products are manufactured and shipped on schedule while meeting quality standards and customer expectations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with other plant leaders to share best practices and enhance operational performance across the organization.
Financial & Strategic Management
- Develop and manage the annual plant operating budget aligned with forecasted sales and inventory targets.
- Oversee plant capital planning and ensure the successful implementation of approved capital projects.
- Manage plant expenses, including labor, overhead, and operational costs, using continuous improvement methodologies.
- Partner with Finance to ensure timely and accurate month-end closing processes.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with safety regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Partner with Quality teams to ensure compliance with food safety and food security programs.
- Lead and prepare the plant for corporate, customer, and government audits.
- Ensure environmental compliance and adherence to regulatory requirements (EPA, FDA, OSHA).
People Leadership & Development
- Build and lead a high-performing plant leadership team.
- Manage staffing, employee development, performance evaluations, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
- Support succession planning and talent development within the plant organization.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Management, or related field.
Experience
- 5–7+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, maintenance, engineering, or process improvement roles.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working in a Lean manufacturing environment is required.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification preferred.
- Familiarity with regulatory agencies such as EPA, FDA, and OSHA.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong operational and business acumen
- Proven leadership and team development capabilities
- Ability to diagnose problems and implement effective solutions
- Strong execution skills with the ability to translate strategy into action
- Budget management and financial oversight experience
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and documentation skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Extensive knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety regulations
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