Plant Manager

Elmwood Park, Wisconsin Permanent USD180,000 - USD200,000 per year View Job Description
A leading food manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations within a USDA-regulated production environment. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership across manufacturing, maintenance, quality, food safety, warehousing, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead a high-impact operation with full plant responsibility.
  • Food manufacturer with a strong reputation and loyal customer base.

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established USDA-regulated food manufacturing facility in Wisconsin.

Job Description

Lead Plant Operations

  • Direct all day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring production, quality, safety, and service objectives are achieved.
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth and long-term plant performance.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to safety, quality, productivity, cost, and customer service.



Drive Food Safety and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, and all other applicable food safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain audit readiness and support customer, regulatory, and third-party inspections.
  • Champion a food safety culture across all departments and shifts.



Develop High-Performing Teams

  • Lead, coach, and develop department leaders across operations, maintenance, quality, warehouse, and support functions.
  • Build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
  • Support succession planning and talent development initiatives throughout the facility.



Improve Operational Performance

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, throughput, waste reduction, labour optimisation, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements.
  • Utilise data and performance metrics to drive decision-making and operational excellence.



Manage Financial Performance

  • Develop and manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, labour plans, and operational spending.
  • Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining quality and service standards.
  • Ensure effective inventory management and cost control across the operation.



Partner Across the Business

  • Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Human Resources, Finance, and Commercial teams to achieve company objectives.
  • Support new product launches, capacity expansion projects, and strategic business initiatives.
  • Serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing operational insight and execution support.



MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. the company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Plant Manager within food manufacturing should have:

  • Experience leading plant operations and coordinating daily production activities.
  • Experience working with Engineering & Manufacturing teams.
  • Ability to plan workloads, allocate resources, and manage competing priorities.
  • Experience reviewing operational performance and resolving production issues.
  • Ability to improve processes while maintaining consistent output and quality.
  • Clear communication skills for sharing expectations and operational updates.Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Business, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
  • 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within food, beverage, protein, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing.
  • Prior experience managing a USDA-regulated food production facility.
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, USDA, FDA, SQF, BRC, and food safety standards.
  • Demonstrated success leading plant operations with full responsibility for safety, quality, production, maintenance, and financial performance.
  • Experience developing and leading salaried and hourly teams in a manufacturing environment.
  • Proven ability to drive operational improvements through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar methodologies.
  • Experience within protein, frozen foods, prepared foods, meat processing, poultry, or other highly regulated food manufacturing environments.
  • Multi-site or high-volume manufacturing experience.
  • Experience leading facility expansions, turnaround efforts, or major operational transformation initiatives.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement credentials.

What's on Offer

  • Permanent Plant Manager position in Elmwood Park, WI.
  • Salary of $180,000 to $200,000.
  • 401(k) benefits.
  • Lead a large-scale food manufacturing operation with significant influence over business performance.
  • Opportunity to shape culture, improve operations, and develop future leaders.
  • High visibility with executive leadership and direct impact on company growth.
  • Competitive compensation package, bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Join a company committed to operational excellence, food safety, and continuous improvement.



Interested? Apply today.

Contact
Brinn Borowsky
Quote job ref
JN-102026-7133118

Job summary

Sector
Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector
Production, Manufacturing
Industry
FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)
Where
Elmwood Park
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Brinn Borowsky
Job Reference
JN-102026-7133118
 

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