Plant Manager Vita Food Products, Inc. Chicago, IL Job Details Full-time $80,000.00 - $95,058.95 a year 18 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Food quality maintenance Strategic management Confidential information handling Food safety management Management Quality assurance experience within food and beverage industry Food processing Team supervision Implementing manufacturing quality control protocols Food processing plant experience Food management Production schedule optimization Word processing Spreadsheets Coaching Operations coordination planning Manufacturing budget management Labor cost analysis Fish processing Manufacturing facility experience Industry trends Food & beverage production Implementation of OSHA safety standards Organizational skills Regulatory/legal compliance standards in production Collaboration with manufacturing teams Managing facilities maintenance teams Annual budget preparation Management reporting Productivity software Full Job Description Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to direct and coordinate all production and operational activities across our food manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this position oversees Production Management, Maintenance, the Herring Department, and Shipping to ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established quality standards. The Plant Manager will optimize production schedules, labor utilization, equipment performance, yields, and operating costs while maintaining compliance with BRCGS, FDA, OSHA, and applicable health and safety requirements. This highly visible leadership position requires strong operational judgment, financial accountability, and the ability to motivate teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Duties Direct and coordinate the daily production and operational activities of the entire plant. Analyze production requirements and coordinate employees, equipment, materials, and schedules to maximize operational efficiency. Establish and monitor performance goals related to pounds per labor hour, production yields, overhead expenses, and direct labor costs. Maintain accurate records of production results and other key plant performance indicators. Manage labor scheduling for permanent and temporary employees while maintaining established labor-cost targets. Identify and recommend improvements to production methods, workflows, equipment performance, and overall plant efficiency. Develop strategies to motivate employees, improve productivity, and achieve departmental and organizational goals. Provide recommendations regarding promotions, transfers, disciplinary action, discharge, and other personnel decisions. Administer employee-relations matters in accordance with company policies, established grievance procedures, and applicable requirements. Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure all quality and food safety standards are consistently maintained throughout production. Inspect or review finished products to confirm acceptable quality and quantity before release to Shipping. Support the development and implementation of Food Safety Fundamentals and the Food Safety Plan under the BRCGS system. Exercise the authority necessary to protect and maintain the integrity of the BRCGS system. Ensure the facility remains prepared for inspections conducted by OSHA, the FDA, military representatives, and local health and safety agencies. Coordinate monthly and annual physical inventory counts of production materials. Ensure inventory discrepancies and low stock levels are promptly communicated to the Purchasing Department. Partner with the Maintenance Manager to establish clear maintenance responsibilities and ensure machinery and equipment remain operational. Promote urgency in responding to equipment failures and production interruptions. Ensure preventive maintenance programs are completed consistently to support maximum equipment performance and production output. Coordinate with Production Managers, supervisors, and line leads to align activities across individual departments. Oversee plant waste-treatment operations and ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Prepare the annual plant operating budget. Review monthly actual results against the approved budget and report material variances to the President and CEO. Develop and implement corrective plans to address budget variances and operational performance concerns. Maintain professional working relationships with senior leadership, Quality Assurance, Production, Maintenance, supervisors, employees, and external vendors. Protect the confidentiality of company, employee, and operational information. Perform additional duties as required. Requirements Five to ten years of plant management experience within the food manufacturing industry. College degree in operations management, food science, engineering, business, or a related field is preferred. Comprehensive understanding of food manufacturing operations, production processes, and industry trends. Significant knowledge of the machinery, equipment, and tools used in food manufacturing facilities. Previous experience leading production managers, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and hourly employees. Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, motivate, and hold employees accountable for performance. Strong knowledge of production scheduling, labor management, cost control, yields, and operational performance measurements. Experience preparing and managing plant budgets and analyzing actual results against established financial targets. Knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance requirements. Familiarity with BRCGS, FDA, OSHA, and applicable local health and safety standards. Experience in the fish, seafood, meat, or a similarly regulated food-processing industry is strongly preferred. Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple departments and operational priorities. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, department managers, supervisors, line employees, and external business partners. Proficiency with computers, spreadsheets, word-processing programs, and operational reporting tools. Strong judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and build productive working relationships across the organization. Join Vita Food Products as our Plant Manager and provide the leadership, operational discipline, and strategic direction necessary to maintain safe, efficient, compliant, and high-quality food manufacturing operations.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $95,058.95 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Education:

Associate (Required)

Experience:

Food Manufacturing:

5 years (Required)

Language:

Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person