Food and Beverage Plant Manager

We're seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at a food manufacturing facility in the Madison, Wisconsin area. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven leader to drive operational excellence and cultural transformation while managing significant growth. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment where they can implement new systems and processes while developing high-performing teams.

Job Duties:

• Provide strategic leadership for all plant operations, including production, maintenance, and quality
• Drive operational excellence through data-driven decision making and accountability systems
• Implement and oversee maintenance management programs to improve equipment reliability
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
• Manage plant budgets and key performance metrics
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams across all functions
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards
• Oversee significant volume growth while maintaining operational excellence
• Partner cross-functionally to achieve business objectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in operations/food manufacturing
• Proven track record of successful operations leadership and turnaround situations
• Experience implementing operational excellence programs and systems
• Strong background in end-to-end process management
• Demonstrated success building and developing teams
• Knowledge of maintenance management systems preferred
• Experience in food processing/packaging operations preferred
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office

Desired Traits:

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to drive accountability and results
• Change management expertise
• Data-driven problem solver
• Adaptable leader comfortable with rapid growth
• Strong coach and mentor
• Detail-oriented while maintaining big picture focus

This role offers an exciting opportunity to drive significant transformation while managing substantial growth. The right candidate will have the chance to build high-performing teams, implement new systems, and make a real impact on the organization's success.