Salary: USD - USD per year + bonus + strong benefits
- Madison WI
- $150,000 to $200,000 + Bonus + Strong Company Benefits
A very well respected national Food org is looking to hire a New Plant Director to help deliver a turnaround program for one of its Flagship facilities, and help springboard the business to its next level of growth. Along with developing a world-class team, the Leader will be responsible for selecting and implementing various new changes, including machinery, tools & systems, manufacturing practices, and employee succession planning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for all plant activities, ensuring achievement of production, quality, delivery, cost, and safety objectives.
- Drive operational excellence by optimizing manufacturing processes, improving productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing overall plant performance.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, innovation, and employee engagement across all levels of the organization.
- Lead and develop high-performing teams through coaching, succession planning, talent development, and performance management initiatives.
- Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, environmental, quality, OSHA, EPA, and regulatory requirements while fostering a zero-harm workplace culture.
- Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute long-term operational strategies that support business growth, scalability, and profitability.
- Leverage data, performance metrics, and industry best practices to drive informed decision-making and sustainable operational improvements.
- Oversee the implementation and optimization of business systems, technologies, and process improvement tools, including ERP, WMS, and related manufacturing platforms.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment, execution, and achievement of business objectives.
- Maintain operational governance through accurate documentation, reporting, and administrative controls while assuming additional responsibilities as required to support organizational success.
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Manufacturing, Food Science, or a related discipline, complemented by extensive leadership experience within complex manufacturing environments.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including 10+ years in food manufacturing and 5+ years leading operations as a Plant Manager, Site Leader, or Director of Operations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, GMP, quality systems, and regulatory compliance, with a strong commitment to maintaining safe, compliant, and high-performing operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in operational excellence, including ERP/WMS platforms, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives that drive efficiency and business results.
- Proven people leader with exceptional communication, organizational, change management, and cultural transformation capabilities, successfully developing high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.