Plant Manager - Bakery Operations

Job Title: Plant Manager - Bakery Operations
Reports To: Director of Operations / VP of Manufacturing
Department: Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of bakery production and operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality baked goods in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. This role drives performance through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a strong focus on food safety and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

🏭 Operations Management

• Oversee daily bakery production to meet volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Monitor and improve KPIs such as throughput, yield, downtime, and labor efficiency.
• Ensure optimal utilization of equipment, labor, and raw materials.
• Coordinate production scheduling and inventory management.

🍞 Quality & Food Safety

• Enforce compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, HACCP, and other food safety standards.
• Partner with QA/QC teams to resolve quality issues and implement preventive measures.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain required documentation.

👷‍♂️ Team Leadership

• Manage, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee staffing, training, and performance evaluations.
• Foster employee engagement and retention.

⚙️ Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and minimal downtime.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other CI initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.

📊 Budget & Reporting

• Manage plant budget including labor, materials, utilities, and overhead.
• Prepare and present operational reports to senior leadership.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety.

🌱 Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Oversight

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and workplace safety standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and lead incident investigations.
• Promote a safe working environment through training and proactive safety programs.
• Track and report safety metrics (e.g., TRIR, DART rates).

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with HR, R&D, supply chain, and sales to align plant operations with business goals.
• Support new product launches and process changes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and third-party auditors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in food manufacturing, with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of bakery operations, food safety regulations, and manufacturing best practices.
• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with automated bakery equipment and processes.
• Certification in HACCP, SQF, or similar food safety programs.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with Tetra Pak or other innovative packaging technologies.