Plant Manager, Associate

Overview This position provides the leadership to the FDL West facility activities in processing, packaging, sanitation and warehouse. This position contributes to capital project initiatives which will position the organization to meet the business and customer demands and ensure the company leadership in the specialty cheese business. The position is integrated with other department leaders to deliver finished good production in quantity, time quality and cost within a safe and positive environment. This individual plays a key role continuous improvement bringing cost saving initiatives and in new product development from development phase to product launch. This position also has P&L accountability for the plant, so strong financial management skills are needed. This position reports to the Plant Manager. Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Establish financial and operational objectives and define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for assigned areas of responsibilityMonitor KPIs daily, weekly, and monthly; identify variances to targets and proactively implement corrective action plans in collaboration with the Plant ManagerEnsure the plant operates efficiently and effectively while meeting safety and quality standardsFoster and lead a strong continuous improvement culture, promoting CI tools, problem-solving methods, and systematic performance improvementsIdentify, develop, and implement cost-reduction opportunities and operational efficiencies.Coordinate plant scheduling with the Supply Chain team to maximize order fill rates and minimize raw material, finished goods, and 3D inventory levelsEnsure adherence to all company policies, procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and regulatory requirementsCoordinate with cross-functional teams to implement and maintain safety, food safety, quality, and environmental initiativesProvide leadership, direction, and support managers and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow and smooth shift-to-shift transitionsSupport staffing activities, including scheduling, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance feedback, development, and corrective actionPromote positive employee relations through effective communication, consistent policy interpretation, and professional interpersonal skillsConduct routine meetings with teams and supervisors, including participation in continuous improvement reviewsMaintain accurate employee documentation, performance records, and conduct annual performance reviewsPartner with the Plant Manager on organizational planning aligned on training, development, and succession planningCoordinate with the Engineering Manager on the planning and execution of capital projectsDevelop and propose capital expenditure (CapEx) projects as part of the annual budget process and support project evaluation and implementationSupport creation and maintenance of Bill of Material (BOM) requirements as neededEnsure successful industrialization and startup of new products in collaboration with Technical and R&D teamsUtilize available resources to improve processes, reduce cost, enhance quality, and simplify workMaintain accurate production, quality, shift, and equipment recordsOther duties as assigned. Education & ExperienceBachelor's Degree or equivalent related experience;Ten or more years of manufacturing experience;Experience in a metrics-driven environment;Experience in Lean manufacturing, Continuous Improvement Tools, CI implementation;Proficiency with software applications including: Outlook, SAP, Labware and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Preferred Education and ExperienceExcellent verbal and written communication skills (in English/bilingual);Ten or more years of management/supervisory experience;Knowledge of USDA, 3rd party and customer audits, SOP's, HACCP, FDA, OSHA, EPA and GMPs;Enthusiastic team leader with outstanding motivational skills, with ability to delegate and monitor Performance;Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of initiative and flexibility;Proven ability to define performance measures and KPI's related to the business and hold associates accountable for the same;Strong proficiency with software applications including: Outlook, SAP, Lotus Notes, Labware and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint;Ability to learn and manage quickly changing deadlines and conflicting priorities;Ability to handle high volume workload in an open environment with changing priorities and frequent interruptions. Travel This position requires up to 10% travel. Frequently travel is outside the local area and overnight. Supervisory Responsibility This position assists the Plant Manager with managing all employees of the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an office environment as well as on the plant floor. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and use fingers to type. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing all day. The employee must occasionally lift or move items over 50 pounds. Food Safety and Product Quality This position is responsible for supporting the food safety management system and for communicating food safety issues to the Quality Department. Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Savencia Cheese USA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.