About Us
Hunter Shore Group is recruiting a Plant Manager for a global a global food and beverage company with a site in Iowa. This role provides an exceptional opportunity to lead within a high-performing, industry-leading brand dedicated to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices. Join a team of committed professionals driving transformation in manufacturing excellence and shaping a collaborative and inspired workplace culture.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to lead and inspire a seasoned team at a high-capacity manufacturing plant, driving efficiency improvements and embracing innovative automation and technology initiatives. This leader will foster a coaching environment, champion employee engagement, and implement continuous improvement (CI) practices to elevate operations from good to exceptional. With a vision for future multi-site leadership, this individual will set direction and empower the workforce to achieve state-of-the-art excellence.
Key Measures of Success
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Successfully drive improvements in plant efficiency, moving operations from current levels to exceed performance targets through innovation and proper technology use.Employee Engagement and Development: Increase engagement scores among hourly and salaried staff, with a focus on coaching, empowering, and developing direct reports and the broader team.Union Relations Management: Effectively manage union relations, preparing for smooth contract negotiations while fostering a collaborative working environment.Continuous Improvement and TPM: Demonstrate significant progress in implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives that empower employees to sustain improvements.Pioneering Automation and Innovation: Lead the plant's role as a pilot for automation, including robotics and 3D printing, and establish a reputation for excellence in innovation and process improvements.Preparation for Multi-Site Leadership: Position the plant and team for future success, developing the leadership skills and operational strategies necessary for potential multi-site oversight within two years.
Key Responsibilities
Lead department managers in optimizing labor strategies, adapting efficiently to production changes.Implement policies to ensure safety, adherence to standards, and best manufacturing practices.Drive TPM and continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing plant safety and productivity.Collaborate on budgeting and cost management to meet financial goals.Partner with HR on talent development, engagement, and cultural transformation.Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to minimize equipment downtime.Support R&D in new product development, production runs, and cost optimization.
Required Experience and Skills
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.Leadership experience in a high-capacity, unionized environment. Experience in dairy, pet food, meats or similar product types preferred. Extensive manufacturing experience, with a strong leadership track record.15+ years in manufacturing, with 3–5 years in transformational leadership roles.Demonstrated success in driving cultural change, leading TPM, and motivating diverse teams.Resilient, with a drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
If you're a transformational leader with expertise in TPM and a passion for building an inspiring and high-performance culture, apply today for a confidential conversation. Relocation assistance provided, if applicable.