Plant Manager Management Recruiters of the Lowcountry, LLC Columbia, SC Job Details Full-time 12 hours ago Benefits Relocation assistance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Vision insurance Qualifications Food production EHS Food processing plant experience Safety regulations Food allergen awareness Manufacturing budget management Environmental compliance Project management experience in manufacturing Manufacturing facility experience Data integrity and documentation Profit & loss HACCP Compliance documentation Batch records Regulatory/legal compliance standards in production Environmental monitoring Managing projects Managing manufacturing teams Environmental regulatory compliance Productivity software Industrial plant projects Master of Business Administration Cleaning and sanitation quality assurance Technical Proficiency Senior leadership Capital budget management Facilities budget management Full Job Description Plant Manager - Southeast Region (Full-Time, Onsite) A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead all aspects of operations at a regulated production facility. This role oversees production, quality, maintenance, and site compliance, ensuring the plant meets performance, safety, and regulatory expectations while driving continuous improvement across all functions. Position Summary The Plant Manager provides strategic and hands-on leadership for a multi-shift manufacturing operation. Responsibilities include meeting production targets, maintaining compliance with regulatory and quality standards, strengthening safety culture, optimizing cost performance, and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Production Lead daily plant operations to achieve production schedules, yield goals, and cost targets. Oversee capacity planning, batch scheduling, and resource allocation. Improve OEE, right-first-time performance, and cycle times. Ensure proper staffing, shift coverage, and cross-training. Quality & Compliance Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements (including cGMP or similar frameworks). Partner with Quality on deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and audit readiness. Represent the site during customer, regulatory, and internal audits. Ensure accurate, timely documentation aligned with data integrity principles. Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Champion a strong safety culture and own site safety metrics. Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant regulations. Lead incident investigations and implement corrective/preventive actions. Leadership & People Management Lead and develop supervisors, leads, and manufacturing staff. Set performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and manage personnel actions. Foster collaboration with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Technical teams. Build succession plans and talent pipelines for key roles. Continuous Improvement & Strategy Lead Lean/Six Sigma or similar improvement initiatives. Manage capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements. Develop and manage operating budgets and capital expenditure plans. Report KPIs (throughput, yield, quality, safety, cost) to senior leadership. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience). 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including 3+ years in a plant/site manager or senior operations role. Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., cGMP, food, chemical, or similar). Strong knowledge of quality systems, batch documentation, and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated experience managing budgets, P&L, and capital projects. Proven leadership of multi-shift teams. Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing software systems. Ability to work flexible hours and collaborate with internal/external stakeholders. Food Manufacturing Experience (If Applicable) Working knowledge of food safety systems (HACCP, SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000). PCQI certification or understanding of preventive controls. Experience managing yield, giveaway, and cost-of-goods performance. Familiarity with allergen control, sanitation/CIP validation, and environmental monitoring. Experience with variable labor models typical of food production. Preferred Master's degree or MBA. Experience with process manufacturing, fermentation, or advanced production technologies. Lean/Six Sigma certification. Experience with ERP/MES systems and electronic batch records. Prior experience leading facility expansions or technology transfers. Physical Requirements Ability to walk/stand for extended periods on the production floor. Ability to wear required PPE in manufacturing and controlled environments. Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. Availability for off-shift or weekend coverage as needed. Work Environment Manufacturing plant environment with exposure to chemicals, process equipment, and controlled spaces. May require entry into cleanroom or containment areas per site protocols. Additional Information This job description outlines primary responsibilities and qualifications but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve based on business needs. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be provided as needed. Other Duties Please note this job description does not fully describe or provide a comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities, including essential functions, may vary amongst locations and/or individuals holding this job position, and may be added or changed without notice. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Vets/Disability.

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Relocation assistance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person