Plant Manager in Harrington DE

Job Description A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking an accomplished Plant Operations Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for a large-scale production facility in the Mid-Atlantic region. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all major plant functions, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering. The Plant Manager is accountable for achieving key business objectives related to safety, food quality, productivity, cost control, environmental compliance, and employee development. This position serves as the critical link between site operations and executive leadership, while fostering a high-performance culture focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Executive Leadership & Talent Development Lead, mentor, and develop superintendents, supervisors, and support personnel across multiple departments. Drive workforce planning, succession strategies, and talent acquisition initiatives to build a strong leadership pipeline. Promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, and employee engagement. Implement coaching and development programs to improve performance and retention. Operational Management Provide strategic oversight of daily manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, customer requirements, and quality standards. Optimize labor, materials, and equipment utilization to maximize efficiency and control costs. Coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure equipment reliability and minimal downtime. Direct cross-functional collaboration to achieve plant-wide objectives. Safety & Risk Management Establish and reinforce a proactive safety culture across all departments. Ensure compliance with occupational safety, food safety, and environmental regulations. Lead audits, inspections, and risk mitigation initiatives to reduce incidents and strengthen compliance. Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMPs, sanitation programs, and internal quality standards. Lead quality assurance efforts to maintain product integrity and exceed customer expectations. Implement preventive measures to reduce waste, improve product consistency, and minimize recall risk. Environmental Stewardship Oversee compliance with air, water, waste, and hazardous materials regulations. Partner with corporate sustainability teams to support environmental goals and continuous improvement initiatives. Continuous Improvement Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to improve productivity and reduce costs. Analyze performance metrics and lead corrective actions to drive measurable results. Execute strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs across all departments. Reporting & Executive Communication Ensure timely and accurate reporting of plant performance metrics, including production, quality, safety, and financial results. Present operational insights and recommendations to senior leadership. Serve as the primary liaison between plant operations and corporate management. Job Requirements Education & Experience Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of manufacturing experience and 4-6 years of supervisory experience. Significant experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex manufacturing operations. Technical & Business Skills Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools. Demonstrated ability to interpret KPIs and implement strategic improvements. Solid financial acumen and experience managing budgets and operational costs. Leadership Competencies Strategic thinker with strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Exceptional organizational and project management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to build high-performing teams and develop future leaders.

Additional Information Email:

cpaisley irgsolution.com

Subject:

Plant Manager- Harrington, DE Meet Your Recruiter Craig Paisley