Summary: We are a high-growth, fast-moving small functional beverage company, scaling internal operations and driving innovation at our new expanded plant location. To support the growth, SGSY recently expanded into a single 70,000 sq ft plant with vertically integrated operations.
We are seeking an Assistant Plant Manager to improve operational excellence with safe, efficient and reliable performance. This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day production operations and plant technical operations, including maintenance programs and capital projects. This role leads a team of 6 direct reports (5 Maintenance Technicians and the Production Team Leader) and reports to the Director of Operations, who also oversees Supply Chain, Warehousing, and FSQ.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:You'll partner closely with the Director of Operations and the Production Team Leader to own day-to-day production execution, while also owning the engineering, maintenance, and technical execution of the facility.
- Provide operational leadership across production and technical functions, ensuring effective coordination, problem solving and execution against safety, quality, productivity and reliability goals.
- Own day-to-day production operations, working hands-on alongside the Production Team Leader on the floor to ensure schedules, staffing, and quality standards are met each shift.
- Drive production KPIs, including throughput, yield, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and downtime, using data to identify and close performance gaps.
- Directly lead the Production Team Leader, who in turn leads the production line workforce, while also overseeing the 5-person Maintenance Technician team.
- Lead plant engineering and maintenance activities, including preventative and corrective maintenance programs.
- Oversee and execute capital projects, including equipment upgrades, line expansions, and vendor coordination.
- Establish and manage the parts crib infrastructure, ensuring the right parts are available at the right time and at the lowest possible cost.
- Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, food safety, and regulatory standards, and champion continuous improvement in these areas.
- Oversee technical troubleshooting and root cause analysis of equipment and process issues to support consistent production performance.
- Support the plant in driving lean initiatives such as: 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, and related methodologies.
- Coach, mentor, and develop team members; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
WHO YOU ARE:- Hands-on technical leader who thrives in fast-moving manufacturing environments and enjoys solving complex operational challenges.
- Strong problem solver who can quickly diagnose equipment or process issues and implement practical, sustainable solutions.
- Collaborative partner who works effectively with operations leaders, engineers, and production teams to improve plant performance.
- Builder mindset with the ability to scale systems, processes, and infrastructure as the plant grows.
- Calm under pressure and comfortable balancing day-to-day technical needs with longer-term capital planning and improvement initiatives.
- Comfortable being hands-on on the plant floor across both production and maintenance disciplines, while also leading leaders and developing a Production Team Leader.
QUALIFICATIONS:Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience will be considered
- 6-7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) production environments
- Proven experience leading teams and, ideally, leading leaders (managing a supervisor or team lead who has their own direct reports)
- Demonstrated experience managing production KPIs such as throughput, yield, OEE, and downtime
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing
- Strong experience with equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and reliability improvement
- Experience leading capital projects, equipment installations, or facility upgrades
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
- Experience supporting plant startups, new line installations, or rapid production scaling
- Experience implementing preventative or predictive maintenance systems
- Familiarity with High Pressure Processing, high speed PET bottling, automation, controls systems and process engineering improvements
- Spanish language proficiency is a strong plus.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:In accordance with Minnesota's Pay Transparency Law (effective January 1, 2025), the salary range for this position is $115,000 - $135,000 annually.
We believe taking care of our people is part of doing things For the Love of Body and Planet™, so we back that up with:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance - we cover 80% of premiums for you and your dependents
- 401(k) with a 3% company match - because building wealth shouldn't wait
- $500 annual company contribution to your FSA - real dollars toward real expenses
- Discretionary Time Off - no accrual, take the time you need (exempt roles)
- 12 weeks Paid Primary Caregiver Leave - because growing families shouldn't have to choose
- 4 weeks Paid Secondary Caregiver Leave - for partners, too
- Full peace-of-mind coverage - Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
- Opportunities to connect and give back - team gatherings and volunteer days throughout the year
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.
