Plant Operations Manager

Plant Operations Manager

The Plant Operations Manager leads and oversees the operations of a large-scale manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, cost optimization, and continuous improvement consistent with product quality and compliance with food manufacturing standards.

Responsibilities

Oversee end-to-end plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and warehouse coordination to achieve KPIs related to output, efficiency, and waste reduction
Manage high-volume dough-based operations, ensuring product consistency and capacity planning through methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or Kaizen
Maintain strict compliance with GMP, HACCP, and regulatory requirements, partnering with QA and R&D to uphold product integrity
Lead preventive and corrective maintenance programs to ensure optimal machine uptime and support future plant expansions or process automation
Collaborate with procurement and logistics to manage raw material utilization and ensure readiness for seasonal volume spikes
Manage operating budgets and cost controls while mentoring a diverse leadership team to foster a culture of accountability and operational discipline

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Food Technology, or Operations Management (MBA or post-graduate degree is an advantage)
At least 12-15 years of manufacturing leadership experience (specifically within high-volume food manufacturing)
Proven experience in dough-based, baked goods, or commissary environments with a strong knowledge of food safety and manufacturing compliance standards
Previous success at a Plant Head, Operations Director, or Manufacturing Director level, managing a large workforce