Position SummaryThe General Manager (GM) is responsible for the overall leadership, operational performance, financial results, and strategic growth of the manufacturing plant. This role has full P&L accountability and oversees production, quality, safety, supply chain, maintenance, engineering, and people leadership. The GM ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing while driving continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership- Provide overall leadership and direction for all plant operations, including production, refining, packaging, warehousing, maintenance, engineering, and logistics.
- Ensure consistent delivery of production targets related to safety, quality, cost, service, and efficiency.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives to drive productivity, yield, and waste reduction.
- Establish and maintain a strong food safety and workplace safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including FDA, USDA (if applicable), OSHA, EPA, GMPs, HACCP, and relevant food safety certifications.
- Lead internal and external audits and ensure timely corrective actions.
- Ensure products consistently meet customer specifications and quality standards.
- Own full P&L responsibility for the plant, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and capital planning.
- Analyze financial and operational performance and implement corrective actions to meet or exceed business objectives.
- Develop and manage capital expenditure plans aligned with strategic priorities and ROI expectations.
- Build, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team. Ensure effective labor relations and workforce planning, including succession planning.
- Support customer visits and key account relationships as needed.
- Drive alignment between plant priorities and broader business strategy.
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in: Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, preferably within food, edible oils, fats, food ingredients, or consumer packaged goods.
- 5+ years of senior plant leadership experience (Plant Manager, Operations Director, or equivalent) with P&L accountability.
- Experience in food safety systems, regulatory compliance, and large-scale continuous processing environments strongly preferred.
Required Skills and Competencies- Proven ability to lead complex manufacturing operations with strong safety and quality performance.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, costs, and capital investments.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to execute through others.
- Effective communicator who can influence at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated success leading change, driving continuous improvement, and building strong teams.
- Customer-focused mindset with a results-oriented approach.
- Travel as required for business meetings, customer visits, and corporate engagements.
Required QualificationsRequired Education: Bachelor's Degree - Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, or related field
Work Experience:
5 - 10 Years - Related experience
6 Months - 1 Year - Supervisory or management experience
Required Qualifications
• Significant experience in warehouse management, logistics, or supply chain operations is essential. Leadership roles in these areas are highly valued.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS) and other relevant software.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance standards.
Preferred QualificationsLicenses and Certifications
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)-APICS
• CDL License
