Plant Manager - Lean Six Search | Supply Chain Recruitment : Job Details

Our client is a global innovator in the food and beverage ingredients space. As trendsetters, they operate at the forefront of consumer demands, providing manufacturers with products that not only satisfy but also make a positive impact on people and the planet. With a strong presence in the regions where their ingredients are sourced, our client fosters close relationships with farmers to ensure superior quality and transparency. But their commitment doesnt stop at supply their unique, complementary portfolio adds value through natural, delicious, and nutritious products.

Position Summary

Based in Thousand Oaks, CA, and reporting to the VP of Operations, the Plant Manager will oversee production and logistics activities across our client's dynamic, multi-shift facility. Acting as the primary liaison with the Corporate Team, this role is responsible for driving production operations within capital and budget limits, aligning facility planning with the companys long-term strategy. Key responsibilities include directing strategic production plans, overseeing plant leadership development, and fostering collaboration with essential support functions.

This position is suited for a candidate who thrives in a team-based environment, excels at delegating tasks, and demonstrates a knack for achieving production objectives through motivation and strategic flexibility. Strong leadership skills and a proven track record in manufacturing management are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Development: Guide and mentor plant management and floor-level associates, with a focus on talent acquisition, retention, and growth.
• Operational Excellence: Prioritize safety, quality, product availability, customer service, and cost efficiency by collaborating with Safety, Health, and Sustainability representatives to promote a zero-injury mindset.
• Customer & Value Focus: Work collaboratively to ensure daily operations add value and meet the high expectations of clients and consumers.
• Metrics & Improvements: Use scorecards and metrics to ensure productivity targets are met, and continuously drive quality and production improvements through data-driven initiatives.
• Innovation: Partner with Engineering to integrate new products, programs, and capital equipment, while staying current on industry technology and regulatory changes.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure the facility maintains compliance with Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI) standards and sanitary conditions.
• Budget Management: Collaborate with Finance to set annual budgets, monitor adherence to financial targets, and review budget compliance.
• Strategic Labor & Resource Allocation: Develop labor strategies aligned with business goals, balancing day-to-day management with long-term planning.
• Performance Optimization: Set clear expectations for direct and dotted-line reports, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Additional Duties: Flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as required to support the organizations goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required, preferably in Food Processing, Engineering, Food Science, or Business Administration.
• Minimum of ten years in manufacturing management, with three years in plant management preferred.
• Experience in lean manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), or similar operational excellence frameworks.
• Industry experience with spices, dry ingredients, or pharmaceuticals in complex manufacturing environments, including high-speed changeovers and bottle packaging.
• Proven experience managing production lines with speeds above 100-150 units per minute.
• Retail packing experience highly valued.
• Strong business acumen with experience collaborating across multi-functional teams.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills, as well as budget and production data management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to perform well under pressure and communicate effectively.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.