Plant Manager - Bluffton Plant

Job Location: Bluffton, IN

Summary:

Responsible for the overall success of plant operations pertaining to the satisfaction of customer service levels and quality expectations including the direct management of production.

In addition, the Plant Manager:

• Plan, organize, and direct the production and scheduling operations to ensure the highest levels of efficiency and quality are met
• Initiate plans and processes that minimize manufacturing costs through the effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials, and capital
• Assure attainment of business objectives and production schedules while ensuring product standards that will exceed our customers’ expectations
• Implement manufacturing strategies and action plans to ensure that the facility supports Hershey Company's strategic initiatives
• Manage spending against budget
• Assure that rules and regulations are effectively administered
• Continually improve safety records by addressing both physical safety issues and employee safety attitudes
• Maintain and improve housekeeping in all areas
• Maintain individual skills, keeping up to date with the latest production and production management concepts, including OSHA and PCQI trainings
• Work in collaboration with teams on improvement projects, including capital investments, process improvements, etc.
• Drive lean initiatives and be the leading advocate for a continuous improvement culture
• Drive the plant training department objectives
• Participate and support Food Safety and quality programs
• Establish group and individual accountabilities throughout assigned departments for problem-solving and cost reduction, both on a permanent and unplanned basis. Encourage the use of new techniques and focus on fact-based problem-solving
• Work closely with the HR department and hourly employees to build a strong relationship
• Collaborate with other department managers to assist with all aspects of job performance and operational effectiveness for the plant, including Procurement, Human Resources, Scheduling, Sales, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality (including Sanitation & Food Safety), and R&D

Skills and Experience:

• HACCP and/or PCQI certification
• Formal Lean and Six-Sigma Training, including successful demonstration of implementation in a manufacturing environment
• Mechanical skills or experience to maximize the efficiencies of a highly automated facility
• Experience managing unionized workforces, including effective labor relations, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution in a manufacturing environment is highly preferred
• Excellent communication skills
• Proven leadership skills
• Demonstrated success in developing employees

Minimum Requirements and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5+ years’ experience in a food processing plant, specifically baking
• Experience in implementing and/or adhering to 3rd party audits and certifications (AIB, ISO, BRC, and SQF)
• OSHA certification or training
• HACCP and/or PCQI certification preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

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