Plant Manager

Now Hiring: Plant Manager

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Compensation: $130,000–$150,000, based on experience

We are conducting a confidential search for an experienced Plant Manager to lead a growing, state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader to take ownership of overall plant operations, drive operational excellence, develop high-performing teams, and help shape the continued growth of a modern production facility.

The facility features advanced, high-speed production capabilities and is continuing to expand its manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations and functional departments
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Drive safety, food quality, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, root-cause analysis, and waste reduction initiatives
• Establish and manage operational KPIs, including Right First Time performance
• Oversee production planning, capacity, labor, resources, and operational priorities
• Develop annual operating plans, budgets, capital projects, and long-term strategic initiatives
• Lead succession planning, workforce development, and organizational growth
• Coach and develop managers and supervisors to build a high-performing team
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP, and applicable regulatory standards
• Support sustainability and zero-waste initiatives
• Partner with union representatives and participate in contract negotiations and grievance resolution
• Collaborate across departments to improve reliability, productivity, quality, and cost performance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Food Science, Engineering, Science, or a related field preferred
• 5–10 years of plant management experience with progressively increasing leadership responsibility
• Experience in high-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments
• Food or baking manufacturing experience preferred
• Proven P&L responsibility and knowledge of budgets and financial statements
• Demonstrated success with Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, SQF, sanitation, food safety, and plant maintenance
• Strong understanding of OSHA and regulatory compliance
• Proven ability to develop managers, supervisors, and production teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both shop-floor employees and executive leadership
• Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Compensation & Benefits

• $130,000–$150,000 base salary, based on experience
• Medical insurance
• Company-paid dental and vision
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation
• Employee appreciation programs

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