About The Hanline Group

The Hanline Group is a food manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain solution organization comprised of five dynamic operating companies, each dedicated to a specific value proposition within the food industry. Together, these companies work with and assure continuity of supply for the nation's most reputable food and supply chain outlets.

R.S. Hanline & Company Inc., founded in 1986 in Shelby, Ohio, is one of the nation's largest and most trusted fresh produce suppliers. We deliver fresh-cut, value-added, specialty, and locally grown products to some of the most reputable food service, retail, food manufacturing, and wholesale distribution companies in the United States.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to lead the daily operations of our Vidalia Valley production facility in Lyons, Georgia. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee a team of 100+ employees while ensuring that all policies and procedures are rigorously followed. You will develop and implement processes that maximize safety, quality, and productivity, driving operational excellence across the entire plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct plant operations for production, maintenance, quality, and receiving functions
• Coordinate plant activities to ensure manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner
• Establish and monitor overall plant performance against production and quality standards
• Control and minimize production expenses while maintaining operational efficiency
• Maintain existing plant facilities and equipment; replace or adjust as necessary to support optimal performance
• Provide strategic guidance for the day-to-day operation of the facility
• Provide direction, development, and leadership to your reporting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Work closely with Quality Assurance personnel to review product conformity to food safety standards
• Monitor operational expenses and research innovative ways to reduce costs while maintaining superior product quality
• Maintain and support a superior safety and housekeeping program across all operations
• Execute plant manufacturing budgets and financial planning
• Analyze workforce requirements and plan staffing accordingly
• Conduct performance appraisals and provide coaching, guidance, and development to all plant operations team members
• Encourage and promote operating in a continuous improvement environment
• Remove production constraints by allocating human and equipment resources effectively to attain all established goals

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of plant management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in produce or similar industry
• Proven experience and strong understanding of budgeting and expense management with a solid grasp of financial and accounting practices
• Strong computer skills including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and proficiently use Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Access) to analyze data and trends
• Previous experience and broad understanding of safety systems and enforcement of safety rules and policies
• Demonstrated strong leadership, team building, and advanced coaching skills
• Demonstrated ability to motivate people, assess employee skills, and develop talent
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and applications associated with manufacturing operations, maintenance, and engineering
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to balance production and maintenance needs
• Excellent interpersonal communication and active listening abilities
• Strong adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams and lead decision-making processes in a team environment

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with food safety certifications (HACCP, SQF, or similar)
• Familiarity with ERP or manufacturing management systems
• Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing experience
• Background in produce processing or fresh-cut operations

Why Join Hanline Group?

Join a company with over 35 years of industry leadership and a commitment to excellence. At Hanline Group, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, drive operational improvements, and contribute to the success of a trusted national brand. We offer competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in a growing organization.

How to Apply

Ready to lead our Vidalia Valley operations? We'd love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant plant management experience. Join the Hanline Group and help us continue delivering excellence to our customers across the nation.