Plant Manager

Overview The Plant Manager will lead end-to-end operations of a high-volume protein manufacturing facility, driving safety, quality, cost efficiency, and productivity while fostering a culture of accountability and high performance across diverse teams. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution and requires close collaboration with R&D, supply chain, and cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable growth, innovation, and full compliance.

A. Leadership & Culture

Reset leadership engagement and drive cultural transformation at the site.

Mobilize frontline workforce energy and accountability.

Strengthen core foundations in Safety, Quality, and Compliance culture.

Develop and scale up the next line of site leaders.

B. Capabilities

Assess organizational structure, align resources, and drive corrective action plans (including hiring, firing, and developing talent).

Build and execute a structured training agenda.

Develop and run cross-functional workshops.

Partner with HR to create a capability pipeline : internship programs, fresh graduate intake, university outreach, and mentorship.

Lead and coach cross-functional operations teams.

Ensure robust manpower planning, training, and performance management.

C. Operations Excellence

Drive cost-per-ton reduction through waste minimization, labor productivity, and efficiency initiatives.

Own and manage the plant budget including MOH (fixed and variable costs) and capex.

Instill and maintain a zero-incident safety culture.

Deliver production targets consistently (volume, yield, OEE).

Optimize plant scheduling, shift management, and resource utilization.

Enforce S&OP discipline across all operations.

Troubleshoot and resolve product quality challenges while maintaining strict QA standards.

Oversee rework and waste management processes.

Fully leverage plant assets (“sweat the asset”).

Define and implement Lean and Continuous Improvement roadmap.

Lead capacity planning and sustainability initiatives.

Drive capex management and digitalization agenda.

Maintain full SFDA compliance and build strong regulatory relationships.

D. Innovation & R&D Support

Develop new product capabilities in line with business needs.

Ensure all products meet regulatory compliance standards.

Partner with procurement to mitigate raw material price fluctuations.

Support initiatives to improve Gross Profit (GP) through innovation and efficiency.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field.

Experience

12-15 years of relevant manufacturing experience.

Competencies

Strong protein industry background with QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) exposure.

End-to-end knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain, and CI (Continuous Improvement) practices.

A hands-on leader, result-oriented, with the ability to balance strategic and operational priorities.

High level of organizational agility and ability to work cross-functionally.

Strong anticipation, planning, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent leadership skills, high accountability, and resilience under pressure.

Strong proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and data-driven decision making.

Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.

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