Plant Manager at Olam Americas, Inc in Gilroy, CA

Job Description

We are a leading food and agri-business, supplying food ingredients, feed and fiber to over 19,800 customers who range from multi-national, world famous brands to small family run businesses.

Each customer depends on us to provide goods and services that are safe, on-time and consistently in line with the required specification. They also rely on us to help them innovate and create new opportunities.

Established in 1989, and now listed on the Singapore Exchange, our team of 74,500 full-time, seasonal, and contract employees have built leadership positions in many of our businesses such as Cocoa, Coffee, Cotton, Edible Nuts and Spices.

As well as growing crops in our own orchards and estates, and sourcing from around 4.8 million farmers globally, we operate over 160 processing facilities, and through our 14 innovation centers. We develop ingredients and find solutions for our customers. Our value chain spans over 60 countries. We also provide support services including risk management solutions and agri-logistics.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Spices, the Plant Manager will be responsible for the production and logistics activities at the facility. As the Plant Manager, this position is the primary liaison to the Corporate Spices Team and will manage a multi-shift operation across various departments in a union environment. In addition, this role has responsibility for directing and controlling elements of the production operations within capital and operating budget parameters for the facility. The Plant Manager will formulate strategic production plans consistent with company future planning in terms of facilities, equipment, machinery, and personnel. In addition, the Plant Manager will be responsible to lead, develop and mentor plant leadership and collaborate with supporting functions.

Position Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing the Plant's Productivity.
• Collect and analyze data to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Partner with the Safety, Health, and Sustainability (SH&S) Representative to drive safety initiatives across all facility departments.
• Stay abreast of new and changing technology and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all employees are following Olam Company policies and practices.
• Document and control all changes and or deviations from the standard operating plan.
• Manage assigned teams to ensure they maintain plant and grounds in sanitary condition to achieve and assure ongoing certification through the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
• Provide insight and guidance to Finance teams to create annual Operating budget. Adhere to the plant operating budget including standard output and compliance to budget reports.
• Work closely with Engineering to introduce new products, programs, capital equipment.
• Deliver forecasted hours in order to meet demand and plan headcount/labor to reflect that demand.
• Improve operation efficiency through implementing more efficient methods, as well as utilizing lean manufacturing methodologies.
• Set clear and meaningful performance expectations for direct reports as well as establishing performance objectives for dotted line responsibilities of manufacturing support and direct labor associates.
• Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and guidance to plant management focusing on talent acquisition, retention and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required, major in Food Processing, Engineering, Food Science or Business Administration is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressive manufacturing management experience is required.
• Experience in lean manufacturing is required.
• Proven ability to effectively manage and train teams is required.
• Previous experience in a union environment is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written, are required.
• Excellent planning and general management skills are required.
• Good computer skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint are required.
• Bilingual, English and Spanish, is preferred.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.