Plant Manager Food Manufacturing (Bilingual Preferred)

Benefits:

401(k) Bonus based on performance Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Location:

Elizabeth, NJ Environment:

High-volume, temperature-controlled (cold chain) food manufacturing

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead and transform our food manufacturing operations during a critical growth phase. This role is responsible for full plant performance, including production, food safety, quality alignment, team leadership, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of leading teams through audit readiness (SQF/GFSI), implementing process improvements, and driving automation and operational scalability. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong floor presence, decision-making, and the ability to stabilize and elevate operations in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Plant Leadership & Operational Ownership:

Lead all day-to-day plant operations including Production, Warehouse, and Maintenance coordination Own plant performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics Establish structure, accountability, and consistent execution across all shifts

Production & Performance Management:

Drive production output aligned with demand while improving efficiency and reducing waste Monitor and improve KPIs such as OEE, labor efficiency, downtime, and throughput Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve flow and capacity

Food Safety, Quality & Audit Leadership:

Lead plant readiness for SQF and regulatory audits in close partnership with Quality leadership Ensure strong execution of GMPs, HACCP, sanitation, and food safety standards Support corrective actions (CAPAs) and continuous compliance improvement

Automation & Continuous Improvement:

Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce labor dependency Lead process improvements, layout optimization, and workflow redesign Drive a culture of continuous improvement across operations

Team Leadership & Development:

Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and department leaders Build accountability and performance-driven culture across all levels Strengthen communication between Production, Quality, and Warehouse teams

Maintenance & Facility Coordination:

Partner with Maintenance to ensure preventive maintenance programs are effective Support capital improvement initiatives and equipment upgrades Ensure minimal downtime and operational continuity

Required Qualifications:

7+ years of experience in food manufacturing 3+ years in a Plant Manager or Senior Operations role Proven success leading SQF, GFSI, or similar audit processes Demonstrated experience improving plant performance and operational structure Experience implementing automation or process improvement initiatives Strong leadership and team development experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred Experience in cold-chain or temperature-controlled environments Experience with ERP/MRP systems Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement experience

Why Join Us:

Opportunity to lead and transform a growing manufacturing operation Direct impact on plant structure, efficiency, and long-term scalability Work closely with ownership and leadership on strategic initiatives Be part of building a high-performing, audit-ready, and scalable operation