Plant Manager - Manitowoc WI
Responsibility: To oversee and direct the management activities of the Shipping, Sanitation, Maintenance, Production, and Quality Departments, in such a manner as to ensure the most efficient and effective production of the highest quality bakery products, under the safest and most sanitary conditions possible. Activities: Continuously develop, and coach the Management team and their associates in their professional development. Evaluate performance, and initiate corrective action as required. Insure that all plant assets are properly managed and safe guarded. Insure plant is properly staffed and trained to meet production level requirements, safety standards, sanitation standards and productivity goals. Establish quality and efficiency standards for operations and initiate / manage quality and efficiency improvement initiatives. Monitor plant output, cuts/yields and scrap to ensure efficient resource utilization and initiate corrective action as required. Interact with sales and marketing department personnel in new product development, customer concerns and customer visits. Analyze production operations and initiate corrective actions to ensure efficient product flow. Monitor expenses, review P & L and Production Summary to budget and initiate corrective action as required. Oversee the activities of the Sanitation, Maintenance, and Shipping, Human Resources, Quality and Production departments. Develop and implement specific plant policies. Insure Plant meets all GMP and OSHA guidelines. Insure Plant meets all requirements of its customers, including passing of all required inspections. Co-Chair Safety, and Weekly Management meetings. Interacts and coordinates activities with Senior Vice President of Operations / Engineering, Vice President of Logistics, Director of Food Safety, Vice President of Human Resources, Vice Presidents of Sales and Marketing, President and the CEO. Qualifications: Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial role within a commercial bakery or food manufacturing environment, with demonstrated success in leading production teams and driving operational excellence. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Food Scientist, Six Sigma) preferred. Technical Skills: Strong understanding of bakery production processes, equipment, and technology, with the ability to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions. Proficiency in MS Office and ERP/MRP systems. Leadership Abilities: Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower employees to achieve common goals. Experience in performance management, coaching, and talent development. Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement. Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and adapt to changing priorities and business needs. Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA), quality standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP), and industry best practices. Results Orientation: Strong business acumen, with a focus on achieving targets for production output, quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction. Problem-Solving Skills: Proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to improve processes and performance. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, hands-on leader, and collaborative team player, with a passion for food production and a commitment to excellence. About us: Alpha Baking Company, Inc., a national distributor of breads, rolls and buns, as well as sweet goods, was founded in 1979. Headquartered in Chicago, Alpha Baking has three production plants in Illinois and others in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Alpha Baking’s retail brands include S. Rosen’s, MaryAnn, Natural Ovens Bakery, Kreamo, and Golden Hearth, with additional product sold under private label agreements and the Alpha Baking foodservice brand. Our broad array of products can be found in national restaurant chains, quick service restaurants, schools, institutions, major league sports franchises, national grocery chains and independent grocery stores. EEO statement: We are an equal opportunity employer with policies prohibiting unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected classification under applicable local, state and/or federal laws which include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or veteran status, Alpha Baking Company, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
