THE POSITION

Title: Plant Manager – Arway-Long Grove Confections (Buffalo Grove Site)

Reports to: Phil Layden, VP of Operations

Location: 333 Lexington Dr. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

The Plant Manager provides leadership and direction to the plant in all areas of responsibility including people, production, quality, safety, and maintenance functions. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations and site-specific strategic plan execution to ensure production goals are met in the most cost-effective manner, delivering expected financial results. Desired qualifications include:

• Operational Direction
• Culture of continuous improvement
• Enhancing employees’ skills and capabilities
• Planning, coordination, and control of business initiatives
• Oversee all operational aspects of our manufacturing facility ensure that we meet production goals while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency
• Food manufacturing—preferred
• Spanish speaking-- preferred

JOB OVERVIEW & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the overall activities of the manufacturing facility of the plant to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, produced and shipped at the lowest possible cost to meet the customers’ requirements while maintaining corporate established quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, focusing on efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness
• Lead Safety team to work with employees on engagement and culture
• Lead and promote lean manufacturing and six sigma principles across the plant fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Monitor and analyze KPI’s to identify areas of improvement and implement effective solutions
• Provide overall leadership and management of plant personnel and functions
• Ensure food safety and security programs are followed to assess potential food safety and security risks and to ensure food safety and security preventive measures are being implemented and routinely audited
• Lead continuous improvements in safety, quality, delivery and operating costs
• In cross-functional partnership with sales, customer service, production a build the production schedule and ensure completion of product and shipment targets
• Develop appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintained for all parts of the business
• Recommend cost controls and other improvements to the production process to improve profitability of operations
• Develop and deliver annual operating strategies, plant P&L, capital budgets, and personnel resource plans
• Establish strategic initiatives aligning team-based processes to drive operational strategies and continuous improvement
• Provide open communication and participate directly in positive employee relations activities
• Responsible for maintaining proper staffing levels, employee performance evaluations, discipline, and employee commendation.
• Responsible for the overall succession planning and development of plant management staff.
• Lead, develop, and implement policies and procedures that support and drive annual plan
• Proactively direct the resolution of operational, quality, and maintenance issues to ensure effective management of cost and prevention of operational delays
• Create an empowered culture to ensure that organization and its people understand the goals and objectives of the business and that they have the resources and leadership support to accomplish them
• Provide an environment which ensures and provides for open and healthy communications
• Communicate and work with our other manufacturing facility in Chicago, IL
• Responsible for food safety, promoting proper GMPs, company procedures and regulatory requirements
• Additional responsibilities as required

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in engineering, operations management, or business
• 5+ years of experience in a management role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably within the food industry
• 3+ years proven experience with coaching and mentoring leadership style
• Strong working knowledge of budgets and P&L statements
• Proven data-driven decision making and management style
• Resourceful and creative problem solver
• Proficiency using a computer and with Microsoft Office suite
• Lean/Sigma/TPM experience

Additional Desired Skills and Characteristics

• Appreciates and exemplifies Arway-Long Grove Confections’ family values
• Is self-aware, empathetic, and willing to listen and learn
• Appreciates diversity and actively works to foster a culture of inclusiveness
• Possesses a common-sense approach to business issues—must be proactive and adaptable
• Goal-driven, confident self-starter with a willingness to continually embrace professional development and passion to excel
• Change agent with energy, passion, and enthusiasm
• Communicates and engages with an integrated cross functional team

Work Environment

This position will work onsite at our offices 5 days per week in Buffalo Grove, IL.