Plant Manager

Thrive Freeze Dry is a rapidly growing Freeze-Dry company that is actively recruiting for a Plant Manager in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The Plant Manager will oversee and manage plant-manufacturing operations. In striving to obtain and then maintain operational excellence, this individual will provide leadership in driving safety culture, establishing metrics, driving process improvements, and developing team members to reach their potential.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provides leadership and oversight of hourly team members, including interviewing and hiring, performance management, employee engagement, coaching, and disciplinary actions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all plant manufacturing operations, including processing, packaging, planning, and sanitation, to achieve production, quality, and profitability goals.
• Drive operational excellence by establishing performance metrics, leading process improvements, and developing team capabilities.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to strategic decisions that support revenue growth and profitability.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure achievement of financial targets, cost controls, and key operational metrics.
• Maintain full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including FDA, FSMA, EPA, OSHA, HACCP, and SQF requirements.
• Oversee and enforce food safety programs, including allergen control, pest control, and sanitation standards.
• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for plant operations.
• Establish short- and long-term cost containment and reduction strategies.
• Partner with Maintenance to ensure equipment reliability through proper maintenance, repair, and replacement planning.
• Implement and sustain efficient production processes, including development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performance work environment.
• Develop staffing strategies to ensure proper coverage, training, and team effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, engagement, and accountability.
• Ensure effective workforce scheduling to meet production demands in a cost-efficient manner.
• Support employee development through training and cross-training initiatives.
• Lead safety initiatives, including regular safety training and reinforcement of safe work practices.
• Facilitate regular communication through team and departmental meetings.
• Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Food Science, Operations, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in food manufacturing.
• Proven progressive leadership experience in a plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and operational best practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and occasional fine motor tasks.
• Work performed in a food manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.
• Must have sufficient visual and auditory ability to ensure workplace safety.

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to food safety, quality, and sanitation by adhering to all company policies and procedures.
• Hold self and team members accountable for food safety and sanitation standards.
• Promptly report and address any food safety concerns, incidents, or improvement opportunities.
• Serve as backup for Quality leadership, as needed, to ensure compliance with food safety, quality standards, and SQF system requirements.