Plant Manager - Appleton Finn : Job Details

About the Company:

Our client, a Dairy Manufacturer in Wisconsin, is excited to offer an opportunity for a dedicated and experienced professional to join their leadership team as a Plant Manager. This role is ideal for an experienced supervisor seeking to elevate their career or an established Plant Manager looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company. They seek a candidate with over 7 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, preferably within the process cheese or dairy industry.

About the Role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Supervision: Oversee two direct reports—Production Manager and Sanitation Manager. Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching to six additional salaried supervisors and a team of 80+ hourly workers.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Foster close, collaborative relationships with departments including Warehouse, Maintenance, Quality, R&D, and Production Planning to ensure seamless operations across the organization.
• Communication: Maintain effective communication with all levels of the organization. Lead your team with clarity, direction, and support. Be prepared to take a hands-on approach when necessary to achieve organizational goals.
• LEAN Implementation: Utilize LEAN principles to drive process improvements while balancing the need for flexibility and agility in production. Develop strategic initiatives that align with both long-term goals and immediate operational needs.
• Continuous Improvement: Focus on overall production efficiency, equipment management, and process optimization. Identify and implement opportunities for improvement to support the growth of the operation.
• Visibility & Accessibility: Maintain a visible presence within the facility, with your office centrally located to facilitate open communication. Demonstrate excellent people skills and maintain trustworthiness and credibility.
• Collaboration with COO: Work closely with the COO, accepting direction, coaching, and feedback to ensure both personal and organizational success.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in a leadership role within a food manufacturing environment, with a preference for experience in the process cheese or dairy industry.
• Skills: Proven ability to manage and motivate teams, excellent communication skills, and a strong grasp of manufacturing processes and equipment.
• LEAN Knowledge: Demonstrated experience with LEAN methodologies and the ability to apply these principles effectively within a production setting.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational management. Strong focus on improving efficiencies and supporting growth.
• People Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills with a commitment to fostering a positive work environment and maintaining open lines of communication.