Plant Manager

COMPANY OVERVIEW:Balchem is committed to making the world a healthier place by delivering trusted, innovative, and science-based solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world. Balchem employs approximately 1,400 employees worldwide who provide the service, quality, and technology that enables our customers to win with their customers. We have built a reputation for delivering results to all of our stakeholders. Founded in 1967, Balchem, a Maryland corporation, became a publicly-traded company in 1970 and is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BCPC. Our corporate headquarters is located in Montvale, New Jersey, and we have a broad network of sales offices, manufacturing sites, and R&D centers, primarily located in the U.S. and Europe. The Company consists of three business segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.POSITION SUMMARY:The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall operational leadership, safety, quality, financial performance, and continuous improvement of one manufacturing facility producing extruded and agglomerated food. Provides both short-term tactical plans and long term strategic plans to the various business groups represented at the sites. This role ensures the facility operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, and food safety standards, while aligning operations with corporate strategy and growth objectives. The position is located in Albert Lea, MN.The ideal candidate brings strong experience managing complex, regulated manufacturing environments, leading diverse leadership teams, and driving performance across multiple departments.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOperational & Strategic LeadershipOversee day-to-day operations across multiple business and plants, ensuring consistent performance, operational discipline, and delivery of customer commitments.Communicate, develop and execute site-level strategies aligned with business goals for production, quality, cost, and serviceProvide detailed communication, with strategic and hands-on leadership for multiple departments, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operationsEstablish standardized operating practices, performance metrics, and governance across the facilityEnsure production plans meet customer demand while optimizing throughput, yield, and asset utilizationSafety, Environmental & Regulatory ComplianceChampion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, and chemical process safety (PSM) requirementsOversee process safety, materials handling, dust control, waste management, and environmental stewardship programsLead audits, inspections, and corrective action plans related to safety, quality, and regulatory complianceMaintain a safe working environment by enforcing safety policies and procedures, conducting regular safety audits, and promoting a culture of safety awareness among employeesLeadership & Talent DevelopmentDirectly lead site leadership teams, through daily exampleBuild strong leadership capability through coaching, performance management, and succession planningFoster collaboration and alignment across Operations, EHS, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and HRPromote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvementMaintenance, Reliability & EngineeringOversee asset reliability, preventive and predictive maintenance strategiesEnsure effective management of aging assets, preventive maintenance programs, and spare parts strategiesPartner with Engineering on plant upgrades, expansions, debottlenecking, and automation projectsContinuous Improvement & Change LeadershipLead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence initiatives across siteDrive standardization of systems, processes, and reportingOperational efficiencies to utilize staff in a cost effective wayLead change management initiatives to support growth and transformationEnsure learning from gaps quality and customer performance are institutionalized in plant processes and practices.Financial & Business PerformanceDrive productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives without compromising safety or qualitySupport strategic initiatives such as plant expansions, new product introductions, and process optimizationREQUIREMENTS:EducationBachelors degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, Manufacturing, or related fieldExperience5-10+ years of progressive manufacturing or processing leadership experienceExperience leading in food regulated environments with strong safety initiativesDemonstrated success managing multiple complex manufacturing departmentsKnowledge & SkillsDeep understanding of employee and food safety, quality systems, nutrient production, and regulatory requirementsProven financial and operational acumen, including cost managementExperience with asset-intensive operations, R&D production coordination, and reliability-focused maintenance strategiesExcellent leadership, communication, and change management skillsThe expected salary range for this position is $160,000 - $180,000 per year. #PRM123Balchem is committed to a workplace culture that values and promotes diversity, inclusion, equal employment opportunities, and a work environment free of harassment and hostility.Department:
Zumbro
Location:
Albert Lea, MN