Job Description
Job Description
Senior Plant Manager
Organic Dairy Processing Plant
Salary- (Open for the right candidate )
Relocation Assistance Offered
Position Overview
The Senior Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence of the organic dairy processing plant. This role ensures the highest standards of product quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, mechanical readiness, capital project oversight, and employee engagement while driving continuous improvement and sustainable practices aligned with organic certification requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Management : Lead, mentor, and develop plant management and production teams. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Production Oversight : Oversee daily production activities to ensure optimal efficiency, product quality, and adherence to organic processing standards.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance : Ensure all products meet or exceed USDA Organic, FDA, and other relevant regulatory standards. Maintain rigorous HACCP and quality management systems.
- Process Optimization : Identify and implement process improvements to maximize throughput, minimize waste, and reduce energy and water usage in line with sustainability goals.
- Budget & Cost Management : Develop and manage plant budgets, control operational costs, and ensure financial targets are achieved.
- Stakeholder Communication : Serve as the primary liaison between plant operations and corporate leadership, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and auditors.
- Safety & Environmental Stewardship : Champion a safe workplace and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and organic certification requirements. Lead initiatives to minimize environmental impact.
- Inventory & Supply Chain : Oversee raw milk intake, ingredient sourcing, and inventory management to ensure uninterrupted production and traceability.
- Training & Development : Provide ongoing training for plant staff on organic principles, GMPs, SOPs, and emerging best practices.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, Engineering, Business Management, or related field (master’s preferred).Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in dairy or food processing, with at least 3 years in a senior plant leadership role, including managing multi-plant sites, or large plant.In-depth knowledge of organic food processing regulations (e.g., USDA Organic, Non-GMO, etc.).Proven experience managing large teams, budgets, and complex operations.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.Key Competencies
Strategic ThinkingResults OrientationChange ManagementTeam Building & DevelopmentRegulatory & Quality ComplianceTechnical AcumenSustainability MindsetReporting Structure
The Senior Plant Manager reports directly to the Director of Operations or Vice President of Manufacturing. This position manages a multidisciplinary team, including Production Managers, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Logistics personnel.
Location & Working Conditions
This role is based at the organic dairy processing facility and requires on-site presence. Occasional travel to supplier sites, corporate offices, and industry events may be required.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and professional development opportunities.