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.

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.

• 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.